Join our crew and become one of the 104,489 members that receive our newsletter.

Hospital Ship USNS Comfort Ordered to Get Underway to Puerto Rico

Hospital Ship USNS Comfort Ordered to Get Underway to Puerto Rico

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 59
September 27, 2017

The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) transits the Atlantic Ocean. File Photo: U.S. Navy

One of two U.S. government-owned hospital ships has been ordered to prepare to get underway to provide support for hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

The Department of Defense on Tuesday directed the USNS Comfort to prepare to deploy to Puerto Rico amid ongoing recovery and relief efforts on the U.S. commonwealth. The Comfort is equipped with 1,000 beds, 12 operating rooms, a CAT-scan, and radiology capabilities, and has 72-96 hour prep time.

The hospital ship is currently at its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

USNS Comfort is being deployed under U.S. Navy service authorities and will provide additional medical capabilities, if requested, the DoD said.

USNS Comfort is one of two Government-owned hospital ships operated by the Military Sealift Command. The ship is crewed by 71 civil service personnel.

The Trump Administration’s decision to deploy the USNS Comfort comes two days after Hillary Clinton tweeted that the President should send the Navy to Puerto Rico, including USNS Comfort.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,489 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,489 members that receive our newsletter.