Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Norfolk native serving aboard USNS Comfort supports Continuing Promise 2025

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Airman Christopher Evans, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, is deployed aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Comfort, supporting Continuing Promise 2025. 
Photo by U.S. Army Pfc. Jordan Bristol, 
USNS Comfort

Continuing Promise 2025 is an exercise focused on humanitarian assistance, medical readiness, and goodwill with six nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The exercise runs from June to August, and more than 1,000 personnel participate. 

Health services offered during Continuing Promise 2025 include general surgery, dental screenings and treatment, preventive medicine, medical evaluation, public health training, veterinary care and vision screening.

Evans graduated from Central High School in 2023.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norfolk.

“Growing up, I was a young kid just trying to find a path,” Evans said. “I hooped, but didn’t love it. I didn’t like the college idea, so here I am.”

Evans joined the Navy two years ago and today serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

“I joined the Navy for different opportunities and to have somewhere new to welcome me,” Evans said.

This is the 16th Continuing Promise mission. Since 2007, medical personnel have treated more than 601,000 patients and performed approximately 7,300 surgeries. When combined with veterinary services, subject matter expert exchanges, engineering projects, community relations events and band performances, Continuing Promise has positively impacted more people in partner nations than any other deployment series in U.S. Navy history.

“I’m participating in Continuing Promise because some people need excitement, so I’m there,” said Evans.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Evans has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I recently joined, so I’ve got a long way to go,” Evans said. “As an airman, I have learned a lot so far. The knowledge I have already helps me complete my job to the best of my ability.”

Evans serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“To me, serving in the Navy means being a leader and opening doors for others who struggle with being alone,” Evans said.

Evans is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.