The most unique vessels in the MSC fleet. The USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy are hybrid MSC/Navy crewed hospital ships, operated as National Level Assets with full medical facilities capable of treating 1,000 patients.
An assignment to one of the hospital ships is a rare and unique experience. The USNS Comfort and the USNS Mercy are operated with a hybrid MSC and Navy crew and desired for their high pay, one-of-a-kind mission and exotic ports. These vessels are considered National Level Assets and receive lots of media attention anytime they are activated.
The T-AH class vessels stand as the largest ships in the MSC GOGO (government-owned, government-operated) fleet and boast remarkable capacities. Once aboard these vessels, it is obvious to see that they were retrofitted and not purpose built as not all design layouts make perfect sense.
Initially served as San Clemente class commercial oil tankers before their transformation into hospital ships
Converted from SS Worth starting in 1984, commissioned in 1986. Original keel laid in 1974. In slightly better working condition.
Delivered to MSC in 1987. Original keel laid in 1975. Both ships show signs of aging.
Continuing Promise (CP) and Pacific Partnership (PP) missions provide disaster relief, develop relationships with allies, and offer free medical aid
Can be activated by the President during crises (e.g., COVID pandemic when Comfort went to NYC and Mercy to LA)
MSC acts as the "Uber driver" - ferrying medical teams to mission stops while maintaining the vessel. Medical events mostly occur ashore.
Two Foster Wheeler Steam Generating Boilers with GE Turbines. One of the few remaining steam-powered vessels in the MSC fleet.
Note: Routine missions seldom require the ships to utilize their full medical capabilities. The main aspects that take place on board are surgeries, which provide the most value to patients.
The hospital ships have two manning scales: Full Operating Status (FOS) and Reduced Operating Status (ROS). Due to the cyclical nature of the vessel and its pre-determined ROS, it is a difficult ship to homestead on. Most crew will be sent on leave or to other ships upon mission completion.
Terminology: On board, the MSC crew is referred to as "HULL" and the medical personnel are part of the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF).
The hospital ships are an arm of American diplomacy. Symbolizing American goodwill, they gain national attention with their iconic big red crosses. Each port visit creates many photo opportunities and high-level dignitaries routinely tour the vessel.
National Level Assets that receive significant media coverage when activated
Build relationships with host nations through medical aid and goodwill
High-level dignitaries routinely tour the vessel during port calls
Reality Check: "There will probably be as many photos taken as patients treated."
Information compiled from MSC sources and mariner experiences. Details may vary by vessel and operational status.
