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SECNAV Tours Hospital Ship USNS Comfort

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060714-03
Release Date: 7/14/2006 12:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heather Weaver, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

BALTIMORE, Md. (NNS) -- Navy Secretary Donald Winter took a tour of USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) July 13 to see firsthand the ship’s capabilities and meet the crew.

During the tour, Sailors escorted the Secretary around the spaces and shared their expertise.

"I was impressed most today with the Sailors and their knowledge, understanding and commitment to the mission," Winter said, adding that briefings may give a person a rough idea of what the ship can do, but "you don’t get a sense of the crew until you actually come aboard the ship."

Comfort’s Officer in Charge, Capt. Ben Feril explained Comfort’s history and described the ship’s operating procedures. The Secretary learned the safety precautions the crew members take and the challenges they face while performing surgeries at sea.

"This is a stable platform," said National Naval Medical Center Commander, Rear Adm. Adam Robinson Jr. "You can still do a lot of work here."

Feril said the Secretary was able to see the contributions and abilities of a hospital ship and her crew.

"Wherever this ship goes, it will represent the U.S.," Feril said. "I think the Secretary gained an appreciation for our capabilities. The ship is doing its business; he understands this ship will provide great medical care wherever it goes."

Commander, Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. Rob Reilly said the visit brought together leaders and emphasized the role of hospital ships in the world.

"The opportunity to allow our senior leadership, senior civilian leadership and military leadership, to come together is important," Reilly said. "This ship is visible wherever it goes. It’s a wonderful statement of what the U.S. is about and it’s important for the Secretary to see this. It’s part of his fleet."

"This ship has the ability to support, maintain and adapt to whatever mission may be in front of us … in the U.S. or further, such as the Middle East or South Pacific," Winter said. "Support using assets like this in those theaters furthers the interest of the Navy and the U.S. You have a tremendous track record and you have a lot to live up to."

While aboard the ship, Winter reenlisted Yeoman 1st Class (SW) William Cunningham and Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) Greggorio Roble, and presented an outstanding achievement award to civilian mariner, Boatswain’s Mate Gerald Butch.

Comfort sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in May for an international medical training exercise. The 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 assess simulated patients, render care and practice saving lives.

In previous missions, Comfort assisted in relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, offered relief for Operation Iraqi Freedom and provided services for rescue workers in New York City after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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