RED Friday: Honoring Deployed U.S. Armed Forces During Military Appreciation Month
As May unfolds and Military Appreciation Month is celebrated across the country, we take a moment to recognize the deployed men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who continue their missions in challenging and often dangerous parts of the world. Whether it’s providing humanitarian assistance or conducting vital security operations, the dedication and sacrifices of these service members are crucial in promoting peace, stability, and goodwill globally.
Throughout this month, it’s important to reflect on the tremendous work being done by U.S. service members, like those involved in the Continuing Promise 2025 mission. Deployed on the USNS Comfort, these Navy and Army personnel are providing critical medical care to underserved communities across the Caribbean and Central and South America. Their service isn’t just about offering healthcare; it’s about building long-lasting relationships with our allies and helping to improve the health and stability of entire regions. The personnel involved in Continuing Promise 2025 are part of a broader mission that extends well beyond the United States, reinforcing our commitment to peace and prosperity worldwide.
Additionally, service members are actively engaged in operations aimed at countering violent extremist threats. Just days ago, on May 13, 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a targeted airstrike in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia to disrupt al-Shabaab, a dangerous terrorist group. This mission was carried out by brave men and women in uniform who continue to work alongside international partners to ensure security in one of the world’s most volatile regions. It is a reminder that the fight against terrorism, as well as our commitment to peace, often requires the deployment of our forces in dangerous and unpredictable environments.
As we honor those who have served, we must also pay tribute to those who are currently deployed, especially in May—Military Appreciation Month. These men and women don’t simply serve in our nation’s defense; they play a critical role in maintaining global stability and providing hope in some of the world’s most troubled regions. Their work matters more than ever, and their sacrifices deserve recognition.
The contributions of our armed forces are indispensable in both the face of natural disasters, as seen in their humanitarian missions, and in combating the serious threats posed by extremist groups. While many of us enjoy the freedoms and comforts that come with life in the U.S., we must never forget the dedication of those who continue to serve, both on the frontlines and in support operations.
This RED Friday, let us stand in solidarity with the brave men and women who are deployed across the globe. Their service is invaluable, and during Military Appreciation Month, we honor their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our nation and the world.
U.S. and South Korean Navies Conduct Joint Maritime Counter-Special Operations Exercise
From May 8 to 11, 2025, the United States Navy (USN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) carried out a joint Maritime Counter-Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) in the Yellow Sea. This bilateral training event was focused on strengthening operational coordination and increasing combined combat readiness at sea.
The exercise included anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, air defense operations, live-fire training, maritime interdiction procedures, communication exercises, and formation maneuvers. These activities were designed to enhance both navies’ abilities to detect, deter, and respond to special operations threats and other maritime provocations.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) represented the U.S. Navy in the exercise, working alongside ships from the Republic of Korea Navy. The U.S. Army also participated, integrating AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade to improve joint force capabilities.
Rear Admiral Select Hwang Jong Seo, commander of the ROK Navy’s 2nd Surface Combat Flotilla, led the exercise from the Korean side. He emphasized that the operation was purely defensive and aimed at boosting interoperability between the two allied navies in anticipation of potential maritime threats.
USS John Finn operates under Commander, Task Force 71 (CTF 71), the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. CTF 71 is responsible for leading the tactical readiness of forward-deployed U.S. surface units across the Indo-Pacific region.
This exercise reaffirms the strong U.S.–South Korea alliance and their commitment to regional maritime security, stability, and the shared goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. Navy Launches Continuing Promise 2025 Humanitarian Mission with USNS Comfort
On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Navy announced the launch of Continuing Promise 2025, a large-scale humanitarian and civic assistance mission led by the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Scheduled to run from June through August, this mission will support nations in the U.S. Southern Command area of operations, focusing on the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Continuing Promise 2025 marks the 16th iteration of this mission since it began in 2007, and the eighth time the USNS Comfort has participated. This year’s mission includes scheduled visits to Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. During each stop, U.S. military medical personnel will provide direct patient care, collaborate with local health professionals, and engage in community outreach efforts to build strong partnerships and improve medical readiness.
The mission aims to strengthen relationships with regional partners, improve public health resilience, and enhance the ability of partner nations and U.S. forces to respond together to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. Services will include general medicine, dental care, optometry, preventive medicine, and physical therapy. Subject matter expert exchanges will also be held to support long-term capacity building.
U.S. Army veterinary teams from the 248th Medical Detachment will provide veterinary services, including animal care and zoonotic disease prevention. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 will carry out community engineering projects in each host nation to assist with local infrastructure.
Captain Ryan Kendall, Deputy Commander of Destroyer Squadron 40, will serve as the Continuing Promise 2025 mission commander. He noted the mission’s success depends on close coordination and cooperation with partner nations and regional leaders.
Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, emphasized the strategic importance of the operation. “This mission will forge lasting partnerships and deliver impactful aid, leaving a legacy of goodwill throughout the region,” he said.
Since its inception, Continuing Promise has provided care to more than 605,000 people and supported over 7,300 surgeries across the region, serving as a vital tool for diplomacy and humanitarian outreach.
For ongoing updates and information about Continuing Promise 2025, visit the U.S. 4th Fleet website at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil.
U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrike Against al-Shabaab in Somalia on May 13, 2025
On May 13, 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants north of Mogadishu, Somalia.
The operation was aimed at disrupting al-Shabaab’s operations and reducing their threat in the region. AFRICOM reiterated its commitment to partnering with the Somali government to combat terrorist organizations and support regional stability.
While specific details regarding the outcomes of the airstrike, including casualties or damage assessments, have not been disclosed, AFRICOM stated that they would continue to evaluate the effects of the strike and provide updates as necessary.
This airstrike is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to support Somalia in its fight against extremist groups. AFRICOM remains dedicated to assisting the Somali government in strengthening security and countering terrorism throughout the region.
For more information and official updates, please visit U.S. Africa Command’s official press release.
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