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Comfort Crew Reflects On Mission During Memorial Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100311-03
Release Date: 3/11/2010 8:33:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Warner, USNS Comfort Public Affairs

USNS COMFORT, At Anchor (NNS) -- During their last day off the coast of Port-au-Prince, crew members gathered on USNS Comfort's (T-AH 20) flight deck for a remembrance ceremony to honor the people of Haiti still recovering from the aftermath of an earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation nearly two months ago.

The Mar. 9 service began with command chaplain, Cmdr. David Oravec leading a prayer, followed by a moment of silence.

"What has happened here has changed the course of our lives," said Oravec. "Because we have come here we have changed the course of many people's lives here in Haiti."

A highlight of the ceremony was Comfort's translator division, many of Haitian-American descent, performing a rendition of Ayiti Cheri (Haiti My Darling), sung in Creole.

Sailors serving as translators aboard the hospital ship came from various Navy commands throughout the fleet. Many of the translators were personally affected by the loss of friends and loved ones during the disaster.

"We will never forget what we have accomplished here in Haiti," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Magalie Jones, who speaks French as well as Creole. "Our hearts go out to all of Haiti."

Another highlight of the ceremony was a song written and sung by Logistics Specialist Seaman Sean Garland about the experiences and emotions of caregivers and patients during the medical mission.

"My song 'New Beginning' is a tribute to those affected by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and to those who work every day to try and help," Garland said. "I was honored to play my song at the ceremony."

The ceremony allowed Sailors and civilian mariners to reflect on the tragic events and the enormity of their efforts to ease the suffering as a result of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

"This was a spectacular feat," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Fetherston, a perioperative nurse aboard Comfort. "With so much collaboration from so many commands, we were able to do so much good in such a short amount of time."

While in Haiti, Comfort treated 871 patients and performed 843 surgeries. In the first 10 days, Comfort treated more than 540 critically injured patients. During the span of the mission nine infants were delivered on board the hospital ship.

"As we prepare to depart," said Oravec. "It is good, that we pause to remember the people of Haiti and to consider how our lives have changed and in many ways been greatly enriched because we have been called forward on this mission."