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USNS Comfort Arrives in Norfolk

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060510-12
Release Date: 5/10/2006 5:33:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Heather Weaver, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Norfolk May 10, as her last stop before heading back to her homeport in Baltimore harbor.

Comfort will complete routine inspections and sea trials while in Norfolk, as well as hold a teleconference with her sister ship, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), to discuss the interoperability and roles of the hospital ship programs and the integration of services.

“The purpose behind this mission is to better prepare our Sailors and international allies for any event that may constitute the deployment of this ship,” said Capt. Albert Shimkus, embarked Medical Treatment Facility commander.

Comfort’s current mission began in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service personnel teamed up with Canadian forces, the British Royal Navy and a representative from the Japanese navy to hold an international medical mass casualty drill. Working side by side, international allies assessed simulated patients, rendered care and essentially saved lives.

“The mission of this platform is growing to not only include supporting combat operations, but to support both humanitarian as well as disaster relief operations. It is vital that we learn to work with all of our partners, because it is highly likely they will be embarked with us in the future,” Shimkus said.

In previous missions, Comfort assisted in relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. At its height, the hospital ship had more than 700 medical and support personnel aboard to assist in the Federal Emergency Management Agency-led initiative to provide disaster relief to the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The ship also took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and provided services for rescue workers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Comfort has unique capabilities for humanitarian relief missions including helicopter lift, advanced medical equipment, a wide range of medical skills, berthing and personnel support, as well as supplies to support medical operations ashore.