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USNS Comfort Completes International Medical Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060523-19
5/23/2006

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

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) returned to her homeport in Baltimore harbor May 14 after completing an extended international medical exercise and routine inspections.

"The purpose of 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 sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in early May, where U.S. Navy and 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 practiced saving lives.

"It’s important to build bonds between the multinational service," said British Royal Navy Petty Officer Naval Nurse Lisa Harrison. "At the end of the day, we’re all trying to accomplish the same goal, which is to provide the best medical care possible in each situation."

"I am pleased with the success of this exercise," Shimkus said. "Our goal was to build a cohesive international crew, and we accomplished that. The bonds formed during this exercise will last forever."

"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," he added. "It’s vital that we learn to work with all of our partners because it’s highly likely they will be embarked with us in the future."

After departing Halifax, Comfort made a short port stop in Boston then sailed to Norfolk, Va., where she underwent mandated substance material and readiness testing.

"[The testing] provides verification that equipment is working properly under actual operating parameters, such as full electrical load and design pressures with the ship working in a seaway," said Richard Cicchetti, the ship’s master. "These are conditions that a pierside dock trial cannot fully replicate. Additionally, many components of the ship are being tested under worst-case scenario parameters, such as generator feedback, emergency startup form dead ship conditions, as well as equipment shutdowns."

David Lieberman, the ship’s second mate, said extra work was put in to prepare for the testing, but the ship is always ready to deploy on a moment’s notice.

"The engineers and the rest of the crew are always working hard to keep the ship operational," Lieberman said. "This national asset will be fully prepared for any mission it’s called upon to serve."

In previous missions, Comfort assisted in relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The ship also offered relief for Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as 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.

For related news, visit the National Naval Medical Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nnmc/.