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USNS Comfort Welcomes Aboard New Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060420-06
Release Date: 4/20/2006 2:42:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Heather Weaver, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Capt. Albert Shimkus assumed command of USNS Comfort’s (T-AH 20) Medical Treatment Facility from Capt. Thomas Allingham in a ceremony aboard the ship April 17.

Shimkus has high expectations for the hospital ship and said the crew will have no problems fulfilling its mission.

"Today, I stand here before you as a very privileged Sailor who has assumed command of the Military Treatment Facility on board this magnificent ship," Shimkus said. "Being a part of this ship and her mission is absolutely everything I love about the Navy. Helping people who need it, to be underway and in command, is an extraordinary opportunity.

"Should the mission of this ship take us to an area that has suffered a natural disaster or other calamity," Shimkus added, "let me assure you that we will not anchor off their shores or tie up at their piers with an attitude of boastfulness, but one of humbleness, that they have welcomed our great ship and its crew to assist their citizenry in their recovery efforts."

The outgoing commander, who led the ship through an emergency deployment to aid Hurricane Katrina victims, said his success came from his crew’s support.

"I would like to tell you that I am responsible for the mission accomplishment of this ship," Allingham said. "That could not be further from the truth. The truth is that the crew — and that is not only Navy but [civilian mariners] as well — is what made the ship as successful as it has been."

National Naval Medical Center Commander, Rear Adm. Adam Robinson Jr., and Military Sealift Commander, Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, highlighted Allingham’s accomplishments and the Comfort missions.

Allingham will report to National Naval Medical Center.

"I know that as I turn over the command to Capt. Al Shimkus, it will be in excellent hands," Allingham said. "Al, you are getting a great ship with a wonderful crew."