USNS MEDICAL SHIP MERCY
USNS MERCY (T-AH-19) was one of two full-service military hospitals of the Mercy class commissioned in the United States Navy (USN). On June 12, 1979, the ship was the subject of SS Worth (MA-299), a San Clemente-class tanker, and was launched on July 1, 1975, at San Diego.
On November 8, 1986, it was taken into service by the U.S. Navy and continued its mission as a mobile hospital, returning to its base in San Diego, California. If no official action is taken, it will be assigned to serve at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.
Despite her military connections, the USNS Mercy Class is not a warship. Her sister is the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). Both ships are unarmed under the Geneva Convention, but may have defenses in place for self-survival.
The ship displaces 65,552 tons and has an overall length of 894 feet, with a beam measurement of 106 feet-its running length dimensions rival those of large U.S. carrier formations, i.e., the Nimitz-class and Ford-class carriers. Drive comes from 2 boiler units powering twin General Electric turbines providing 24,500 horsepower to drive 2 propellers under the stern. The ship is capable of traveling at 17 knots.
The USNA Mercy Class can support up to 1,214 military personnel and 61 civilian personnel onboard during wartime operations. The onboard facilities can support all U.S. Army forces in land-ocean operations, including amphibious assaults. And the USNS Mercy class can also participate in humanitarian operations when necessary. Specialists have access to life-saving equipment (radiology, pharmacy, optometry, blood bank, dental, laboratory) and medications, and can provide services ranging from basic first aid to in-depth surgery when needed. The intensive care ward can accommodate up to 80 beds, while rehabilitation beds can be provided for more than 20. The ship's medical staff has total **** access to 1,000 beds.
Since entering service in 1986, USNS Mercy has participated in major operations since 1987, including Operation Desert Storm (1991), Typhoon Haiyan (2013), the 2014 Rim of the Pacific military exercises in 2014, and most recently, operations against the New Coronavirus outbreak.
In March 2020, she was asked to deploy near Los Angeles to reduce pressure on shore hospitals.