Tawi Tawi, Philippines (June 18, 2006) - The U.S. Military Sealift
Command (MSC) Hospital Ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) sets sail for
Sembawang, Singapore, after its four-week stay in the South
Philippines. Mercy is on a five-month deployment to South Asia,
Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The medical crew aboard
Mercy will provide general and ophthalmology surgery, basic medical
evaluation and treatment, preventive medicine treatment, dental
screenings and treatment, optometry screenings, eyewear
distribution, public health training and veterinary services as
requested by the host nations. Mercy is uniquely capable of
supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs and is
configured with special medical equipment and a robust
multi-specialized medical team that can provide a range of services
ashore as well as aboard the ship. The medical staff is augmented
with an assistance crew, many of whom are part of nongovernmental
organizations that have significant medical capabilities. U.S. Navy
photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Edward G. Martens (RELEASED)
