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Mercy Holds First MEDCAP at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060612-01
Release Date: 6/12/2006 9:46:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Ryan Clement, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

JOLO, Philippines (NNS) -- The crew of the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) treated several hundred patients June 8, marking the first time a medical and dental civil action project (MEDCAP) has taken place aboard.

The MEDCAP happened as part of Mercy’s five-month humanitarian mission, during which Mercy is scheduled to provide humanitarian and civic assistance to many different countries in South and Southeast Asia.

“I feel wonderful about the mission Mercy is on, and all the people who have come together,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as he watched the MEDCAP and toured the ship. “As you walk around and see the care and attention and the lifetime opportunity that we are giving to the people here in Jolo, you can’t help but be moved by it all.”

The crew completed a string of MEDCAPs as well as civic outreach projects at local medical centers ashore, but never held a MEDCAP on a ship until now.

“It proves that it can be done on a ship, and it can be done safely,” said Cmdr. Patricia Pepper, director of internal medicine aboard Mercy. “For the staff, it’s a much better setup. We are in an area where we have the supplies and the backup, so that allows us to process many more patients than before.”

Since Mercy arrived in the Philippines, thousands of patients have received medical care from Mercy’s highly-trained crew. The team is comprised of doctors and nurses from the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, foreign militaries and nongovernmental organizations, such as Project HOPE and the Aloha Medical Mission.

“I’m so happy to get to come aboard this amazing, high-tech ship,” said Ajar L. Jammanq, a 45 year-old Jolo native. “All the Americans were very friendly and helpful.”

The San Diego-homeported ship is providing various services to local residents, such as optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, physical therapy, burn care, radiological and laboratory services, dermatology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmologic surgery, plastic surgery, preventative medicine treatment, dental screenings and treatment, immunizations, and public health training and assessment.

“I think it’s going to make a huge difference in the opportunities in the Philippines and ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s going to make a big difference in people’s lives in many, many ways,” said Roughead.

For related news, visit the Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cpf/.