USNS Comfort

USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is a United States Navy hospital ship that belongs to the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command. It is one of two hospital ships in the U.S. Navy, the other being the USNS Mercy (T-AH-19). The primary mission of USNS Comfort is to provide emergency, on-site care for U.S. combatant forces deployed in war or other operations.

Overview

USNS Comfort was originally commissioned in 1987, having been converted from an oil tanker, SS Rose City, into a hospital ship. Its home port is in Norfolk, Virginia, and it is staffed by civilians from the Military Sealift Command as well as a medical complement from the United States Navy. The ship is equipped with approximately 1,000 beds, 12 fully equipped operating rooms, a radiology suite, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan, and two oxygen-producing plants. It is designed to be deployed in support of disaster relief efforts, providing emergency medical and surgical services to deployed U.S. military personnel, and for humanitarian missions around the world.

Operational History

Throughout its service, USNS Comfort has been deployed for various missions, including Operation Desert Storm, Hurricane Katrina relief, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. During these missions, the ship has provided critical medical services ranging from trauma care to surgical and post-operative care. The ship has also participated in several humanitarian missions, offering medical treatment to civilians in countries throughout the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.

Capabilities

The USNS Comfort is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, making it one of the largest trauma facilities anywhere. Its capabilities include:

• Full hospital services including a full range of medical, dental, and surgical services
• Digital radiological services
• Medical laboratory
• Pharmacy
• Optometry lab
• Intensive care ward
• Physical therapy and burn care
• Two oxygen-producing plants
• Helicopter deck for patient evacuation

Humanitarian Missions

In addition to its military role, USNS Comfort plays a significant role in the U.S. Navy's humanitarian outreach efforts. The ship has been deployed to provide medical care in the aftermath of natural disasters and to conduct medical readiness training exercises. These missions not only provide essential medical care to those in need but also help in the diplomatic efforts of the United States by building partnerships and goodwill around the world.

Future

The future of USNS Comfort and its sister ship, USNS Mercy, involves continued support for military operations as well as an ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As global needs evolve, so too will the missions of these ships, adapting to new challenges and continuing to serve as a vital resource for both the United States and the international community.