It has been a long and worthwhile endeavor for the Comfort team. We are now home and returning to our jobs around the U.S. Our mission to Haiti is something we will never forget. Thank you for the support along the way!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Comfort Returns To U.S. Following Haiti Mission
NORFOLK (Mar. 13, 2010) USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) navigated the Chesapeake Mar. 13 as high-ranking flag officers and family members at Naval Base Norfolk, Va. enthusiastically awaited the hospital ship’s return from its mission in Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response.
Comfort left her homeport of Baltimore, Md. in record time after receiving orders to make best speed to Haiti to provide medical aid to victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Jan. 12. The ship’s crew admitted their first patients three days after deploying and, following 49 days of operations off the coast of Port-au-Prince, had provided care to 794 Haitian nationals suffering from injuries ranging from crushed limbs to gangrenous wounds.
“What people did will affect medicine for a long time,” said Capt. James Ware, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility aboard Comfort. “People’s experiences and the lessons they learned will affect the way we treat earthquake related injuries in the future. I am very proud of the crew.”
A large part of Comfort’s medical efforts were devoted to surgeries. It took more than doctors, nurses and corpsmen to ensure that the 843 surgeries performed were successful, though. More than 1,400 Navy medical professionals and support personnel, ranging from culinary specialists to engineers, came together with civil mariners and nongovernmental volunteers to provide critical support to the multinational effort in Haiti.
The USAID-led mission in partnership with the government of Haiti presented a number of unique challenges. One of these was the communication barrier that existed between attending physicians and their patients.
“The ship initially had about ten people on board to help with translating,” said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW) Marcel Blanfort, who headed up the translation department. “However, the commanding officer knew that the mission was of a greater scale.”
Seventy-five Sailors and one Marine from 39 military commands joined their shipmates along with 88 Red Cross volunteers, all French or Creole speaking, to bridge the gap. They interacted with patients and the medical staff aboard daily, working in the casualty receiving area, the operating rooms and after care wards where patients were brought following treatment.
“I was really glad to come down and help,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Yves Henry, a surgical technician and translator from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va. “We came and helped to the best of our ability. Some of the people that we helped would have died if we didn’t come.”
Now, eight weeks after their humanitarian mission began, Comfort’s crew is ready for a well-deserved reprieve.
“I’m excited about going home,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Vanal Lamour. “It will be nice to take some time to relax a little.”
Many of the personnel embarked with Comfort will leave the ship in Norfolk before the remaining crew continues their trek to Baltimore.
“It is all the support from people at home that helped to make this possible,” said Capt. Rodelio Laco, commodore, Task Group 41.8, who provided operational oversight aboard Comfort. “I would be proud to serve with any of these Sailors, any time, any where.”
Comfort left her homeport of Baltimore, Md. in record time after receiving orders to make best speed to Haiti to provide medical aid to victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Jan. 12. The ship’s crew admitted their first patients three days after deploying and, following 49 days of operations off the coast of Port-au-Prince, had provided care to 794 Haitian nationals suffering from injuries ranging from crushed limbs to gangrenous wounds.
“What people did will affect medicine for a long time,” said Capt. James Ware, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility aboard Comfort. “People’s experiences and the lessons they learned will affect the way we treat earthquake related injuries in the future. I am very proud of the crew.”
A large part of Comfort’s medical efforts were devoted to surgeries. It took more than doctors, nurses and corpsmen to ensure that the 843 surgeries performed were successful, though. More than 1,400 Navy medical professionals and support personnel, ranging from culinary specialists to engineers, came together with civil mariners and nongovernmental volunteers to provide critical support to the multinational effort in Haiti.
The USAID-led mission in partnership with the government of Haiti presented a number of unique challenges. One of these was the communication barrier that existed between attending physicians and their patients.
“The ship initially had about ten people on board to help with translating,” said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW) Marcel Blanfort, who headed up the translation department. “However, the commanding officer knew that the mission was of a greater scale.”
Seventy-five Sailors and one Marine from 39 military commands joined their shipmates along with 88 Red Cross volunteers, all French or Creole speaking, to bridge the gap. They interacted with patients and the medical staff aboard daily, working in the casualty receiving area, the operating rooms and after care wards where patients were brought following treatment.
“I was really glad to come down and help,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Yves Henry, a surgical technician and translator from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va. “We came and helped to the best of our ability. Some of the people that we helped would have died if we didn’t come.”
Now, eight weeks after their humanitarian mission began, Comfort’s crew is ready for a well-deserved reprieve.
“I’m excited about going home,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Vanal Lamour. “It will be nice to take some time to relax a little.”
Many of the personnel embarked with Comfort will leave the ship in Norfolk before the remaining crew continues their trek to Baltimore.
“It is all the support from people at home that helped to make this possible,” said Capt. Rodelio Laco, commodore, Task Group 41.8, who provided operational oversight aboard Comfort. “I would be proud to serve with any of these Sailors, any time, any where.”
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Comfort Holds Remembrance Before Getting Underway
100309-N-4047W-107 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Mar. 9, 2010) USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) crew members participated in a remembrance ceremony in honor of Haiti several hours before setting sail to return to the United States. Comfort’s crew of Sailors and civilian mariners came together with nongovernmental volunteers to provide humanitarian aid in the wake of the Jan. 12 earthquake that rocked the Caribbean nation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Warner/Released)
Unity with the People of Haiti
100309-N-4047W-058 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (March 9, 2010) USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) command chaplain, Cmdr. David Oravec of Frederick, Md. led a prayer during a remembrance ceremony held on the flight deck of USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort’s crew expressed their unity with the people of Haiti built over the course of the past few weeks while providing support during Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Warner/Released)
Song Honors Peopel of Haiti
100309-N-4047W-106 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (March 9, 2010) Sailors working as translators during Operation Unified Response aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sang Ayiti Cheri (Haiti My Darling) in Creole during a remembrance ceremony in honor of the people of Haiti. The service marked the conclusion of Comfort’s participation in the USAID-led humanitarian effort to help the people of Haiti recover from a devastating earthquake last January. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Warner/Released)
Comfort Remembrance Ceremony
100309-N-4378P-079 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (March 9, 2010) Haitian-American Sailors embarked on the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sing Ayiti Cheri (Haiti My Darling) in Creole during a remembrance ceremony held on the flight deck in honor of the people of Haiti. The ceremony marked the end of Comfort’s dynamic support of Operation Unified Response, during which more than 1,400 nongovernmental volunteers, Sailors and civil mariners aboard provided critical medical aid to the people of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwardo Proano/Released)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
$2.5 Million in Relief
With many of the patients who initially received treatment being transferred to shore hospitals for after care, the Sailors on civilian mairners aboard have begun to focus there efforts on providing support where they can to thos facilities ashore. Last Thursday's evolution to offload $2.5 million in relief supplies is just one small example of those activities.
One hundred twenty pallets, consisting of general pharmaceuticals, health kits, dressings for wounds, and other medical supplies, were offloaded to an Army landing craft unit for transportation to a warehouse where the items will be cataloged before being sent on to help land-based medical treatment centers sustain follow-on care for Haitians injured in last month’s natural disaster. Many of these supplies will go to patients who were treated aboard Comfort.
The majority of the supplies were donated by non-governmental organizations, such as Project Hope. We've been working side-by-side with a lot of these organizations all along, and their help will continue to grow in imporatance in helping the government of Haiti with the long term recovery of the nation. They are capable, already on the ground, and doing a great job. The Comfort crew was happy to help boost that capability with the supplies.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Food Has Arrived
We had our first supply replenishment in a while on Thursday. Sailors and mariners from the Military Sealift Command worked side-by-side on the deck to load 230 palettes packed with food and other essential items to fuel the good work being conducted on board to help the people of Haiti. We were doing okay supply-wise before the lift, but we're doing much better now. Special thanks to the Supply Department aboard for making it all possible and to HSC 28 for providing the transportation of goods from the supply ship to our decks through the air. This photograph shot by Petty Officer Timothy Wilson shows everyone wrapping things up at the end of the night. Go team Comfort!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sailors Deliver Goodwill Items
On Monday, Sailors from the pastoral care department brought toys and clothes to children who are being treated at the University of Miami Field Hospital.
Volunteers there greeted our Sailors with open arms and welcomed their desire to help. The head volunteer RN there said, “The kids get bored and [the Sailors] play with them so that leaves more time to attend to the really sick ones, the ones who can’t get out of bed.”
Chaplian Joe Molina organized the day’s events, working with St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School in Winter Part, Fla. Kids from the school donated toys, clothes, games and books to patients to help ease the transition of a country in ruins to one being reborn. Their generosity came at a time when leisure diversions are scarce in the Haiti.
The items were originally intended for patients being treated aboard Comfort, but the donations were so bountiful, Molina had more than enough to distribute them to other children in need.
Everyone who participated said they really enjoyed the opportunity to provide something for the kids there to help ease there troubles in some small way.
Comfort is not currently accepting donations, but if you are interested in providing donations to Haiti, USAID recommends assisting relief efforts by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. Information on organizations responding to the humanitarian situation in Haiti may be available at http://www.reliefweb.int/ and www.usaid.gov/haiti. USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, and warehouse space); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Haitians find Comfort and Inspiration aboard Hospital Ship
Comfort's medical professionals, support personnel, civilian volunteers and patients gathered on the ship'smess deck for a service of remembrance and hope honoring Haitians affected by the earthquake that devastated Haiti one month ago.
What started as a solemn service to remember the estimated 200,000 individuals who lost their lives and 300,000 injured turned to inspirational singing.
Comfort's chaplains, several Red Cross workers and patients felt a service conveying a feeling of hope would be beneficial to everyone aboard the hospital ship. The service included prayers and singing as well as a public reading by Lt. Yonnette Thomas of a letter of appreciation from a former Comfort patient.
The letter said, "'I know if you weren't here, many of us would be dead. This is the biggest proof of love the U.S. could offer the Haitian people. You have given us life.'"
Prayers were lead by Comfort chaplains and Red Cross volunteer Rev. Noster Montas. Singing was led by The Joyful Noise Choir and Red Cross translator Simpson St. Fort. The ceremony concluded with a benediction led by Comfort Chaplain John Franklin.
What started as a solemn service to remember the estimated 200,000 individuals who lost their lives and 300,000 injured turned to inspirational singing.
Comfort's chaplains, several Red Cross workers and patients felt a service conveying a feeling of hope would be beneficial to everyone aboard the hospital ship. The service included prayers and singing as well as a public reading by Lt. Yonnette Thomas of a letter of appreciation from a former Comfort patient.
The letter said, "'I know if you weren't here, many of us would be dead. This is the biggest proof of love the U.S. could offer the Haitian people. You have given us life.'"
Prayers were lead by Comfort chaplains and Red Cross volunteer Rev. Noster Montas. Singing was led by The Joyful Noise Choir and Red Cross translator Simpson St. Fort. The ceremony concluded with a benediction led by Comfort Chaplain John Franklin.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Haiti Director of the Institute of Social Welfare Visits Children Aboard Comfort
100208-N-4995K-157 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Feb. 8, 2010) Jeanne Bernard Pierre, director of the Institute of Social Welfare in Haiti, visits an infant patient aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Pierre visited Comfort to assess the needs of displaced children being treated. The Haitian government is working alongside the United Nations Children's Fund to ensure that displaced children are reunited with their families or placed in foster care. Comfort is at anchor near Port-au-Prince, Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)Saturday, February 13, 2010
One Month in Haiti
Over the past month we have seen much trauma and sadness on board the USNS Comfort. However, these incidents are not what I will remember when I return to the United States, nor will it define my experience on board the USNS Comfort. Rather, my experience has been defined by the people of Haiti, especially the little kids who have experienced so much pain and sorrow. Yet these children are quick to smile or laugh. These children take such delight in coloring books, a peanut butter sandwich or an apple. Their courage and strength amidst this tragedy is what I’ll remember.
I’ll forever remember the evening when a couple mothers started singing quietly. Within minutes more than 40 children and escorts were singing hymns and spirituals together. Forgotten was the pain of missing limbs, open wounds or lost family. Forgotten was the exhaustion and weariness that had been weighing us down. At that time all those present-- patients, escorts and staff-- bonded together as those with so little lifted up their voices and hands in praise to God. That evening made every hardship worth it for me.
Seeing the precious children return to their families makes everything worth it.
Lt. Kenneth M. Cole, NC
3 Forward Pediatrics Ward
I’ll forever remember the evening when a couple mothers started singing quietly. Within minutes more than 40 children and escorts were singing hymns and spirituals together. Forgotten was the pain of missing limbs, open wounds or lost family. Forgotten was the exhaustion and weariness that had been weighing us down. At that time all those present-- patients, escorts and staff-- bonded together as those with so little lifted up their voices and hands in praise to God. That evening made every hardship worth it for me.
Seeing the precious children return to their families makes everything worth it.
Lt. Kenneth M. Cole, NC
3 Forward Pediatrics Ward
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
An Incredible Evening
Amidst all the tragedy and hard effort on the part of Comfort's crew to overcome it, there are moments that stand out and embody the very center of the human spirit. Here is one such story from a nurse practitioner aboard:
One evening last week there was an incredible event that took place on 3 Forward, a pediatric overflow ward. We were near capacity with children, parents or other family as escorts - families that had suffered such horrific times with unimaginable losses - family members, homes, and life threatening injuries. Softly and gently a few women began to sing. They were singing in Creole some of their familiar hymns and spirituals. The sounds were so soothing and melodic. As they continued several other parents and escorts joined in – soon all the children were singing and dancing to the enchanting sounds. Within minutes the entire ward was transformed into a place of joy. The staff and visitors were swaying to the music and every single person had a smile on their face. Over that amazing time we all bonded in a way that could not have ever been imagined. We were ONE in spite of all the sorrow, sadness and weariness; we were united in our humanity and purpose. Each person was uplifted as this glorious praise to God soared to the heavens from a hospital ship, the USNS Comfort anchored near such a devastated nation. In such times of chaos and loss it is so inspiring to witness such steadfast faith and devotion. We were all truly blessed to be a part of that precious moment and this mission. This is truly something that I will remember and cherish my whole life. Amen, Amen, Amen
Norah Bertschy, CAPT, NC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
One evening last week there was an incredible event that took place on 3 Forward, a pediatric overflow ward. We were near capacity with children, parents or other family as escorts - families that had suffered such horrific times with unimaginable losses - family members, homes, and life threatening injuries. Softly and gently a few women began to sing. They were singing in Creole some of their familiar hymns and spirituals. The sounds were so soothing and melodic. As they continued several other parents and escorts joined in – soon all the children were singing and dancing to the enchanting sounds. Within minutes the entire ward was transformed into a place of joy. The staff and visitors were swaying to the music and every single person had a smile on their face. Over that amazing time we all bonded in a way that could not have ever been imagined. We were ONE in spite of all the sorrow, sadness and weariness; we were united in our humanity and purpose. Each person was uplifted as this glorious praise to God soared to the heavens from a hospital ship, the USNS Comfort anchored near such a devastated nation. In such times of chaos and loss it is so inspiring to witness such steadfast faith and devotion. We were all truly blessed to be a part of that precious moment and this mission. This is truly something that I will remember and cherish my whole life. Amen, Amen, Amen
Norah Bertschy, CAPT, NC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
From the Lab
Hello everyone. In keeping with the intent to share a borader picture of what is going on all over the ship, here appears commentary as written by Petty Officer La Croix:
As I approached this big white ship splashed with numerous red crosses I knew what our mission was: to provide care and comfort to those affected by the massive earthquake. I quickly learned the seriousness of the natural disaster after seeing a majority of the patients on board and the types of injuries that were sustained.
I work in the laboratory so I am “behind the scenes” when it comes to patient care, but I treat each specimen tube or sample as if it was my son or daughter's. I do also make sure that I walk through the inpatient areas and ICU’s to help refocus the reason I am here. I find it hard sometimes to cope with what I have seen but it also helps to reaffirm why I am here and what role I play during this mission.
I am grateful to have been part of the best medical crew to sail over the open water. And I say to the countless victims in Haiti, we are here for you.
HM2 Justin W. La Croix, Comfort Main Laboratory
As I approached this big white ship splashed with numerous red crosses I knew what our mission was: to provide care and comfort to those affected by the massive earthquake. I quickly learned the seriousness of the natural disaster after seeing a majority of the patients on board and the types of injuries that were sustained.
I work in the laboratory so I am “behind the scenes” when it comes to patient care, but I treat each specimen tube or sample as if it was my son or daughter's. I do also make sure that I walk through the inpatient areas and ICU’s to help refocus the reason I am here. I find it hard sometimes to cope with what I have seen but it also helps to reaffirm why I am here and what role I play during this mission.
I am grateful to have been part of the best medical crew to sail over the open water. And I say to the countless victims in Haiti, we are here for you.
HM2 Justin W. La Croix, Comfort Main Laboratory
Monday, February 8, 2010
Making a New Friend
With the hundreds of Sailors aboard doing their part to help the people of Haiti, there are hundred of unique stories to be told every day. One of these stories a few days ago struck me in particular and I wanted to share it with you here:
Dear Beth,
Last night I gained a new friend. He is a tiny little guy on the peds ward. I was going to the ward to get some information from one of my Sailors. As I was walking around the ward to find the Sailor, a little boy with one eye (the one I told you about) came up to me. He reached up to grab my finger and started pulling me along, as if to take a walk. Some of the other patients on the ward were singing and clapping. We walked/danced over to them and joined in. He can keep a beat very well. At one point he was tapping his foot, too. The smile one his face was so beautiful. We danced and clapped for a little bit then continued walking around the nurse’s station back to his mom. One of the Nurses on the ward had a camera and took a picture of us while we were walking.
Last night I gained a new friend. He is a tiny little guy on the peds ward. I was going to the ward to get some information from one of my Sailors. As I was walking around the ward to find the Sailor, a little boy with one eye (the one I told you about) came up to me. He reached up to grab my finger and started pulling me along, as if to take a walk. Some of the other patients on the ward were singing and clapping. We walked/danced over to them and joined in. He can keep a beat very well. At one point he was tapping his foot, too. The smile one his face was so beautiful. We danced and clapped for a little bit then continued walking around the nurse’s station back to his mom. One of the Nurses on the ward had a camera and took a picture of us while we were walking.
When we got to his mom, she reached out her arms and I said, in Creole to him, “tu Mama?” he clung to me tightly. Both his mom’s eyes and mine got really big. She and I both started to laugh at how wonderful it was that he was able to reach out and make a new friend despite how intimidating my 6’4” stature can be to his 2’4" one. We continued on another lap around the nurse’s station singing and dancing. We were both having a fantastic time. At one point we stopped for a bit so he could play ball with one of the other kids his size. After a few minutes of ball, we continued around and back to his mom. She reached her arms out once again and I said once again “tu Mama?” This time he went over to her and climbed into bed. I told him in good night in Creole. He climbed back out of bed, came over to me and gave me a big hug. Then he went back to bed to snuggle with his mom. Last night was his first time out of the bed since he first arrived on board, over two weeks ago.
I love you and will keep you posted on more amazing moments like this.
Love,
Derek
I love you and will keep you posted on more amazing moments like this.
Love,
Derek
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Admiral Harvey Meets With Project Hope Volunteers
100202-N-9318F-081 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Feb. 2, 2010) Adm. J.C. Harvey, Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, thanks members of Project HOPE for their assistance aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Operation Unified Response. More than 30 nations and hundred of NGOs like Project HOPE are supporting relief efforts in Haiti. Comfort's primary mission is to provide an afloat, mobile, acute medical facility for the country in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Brian Finney/Released)
Admiral Harvey Visits Comfort Pediatrics
100202-N-9318F-077 ABOARD USNS COMFORT, At Sea (Feb. 2, 2010) Adm. J.C. Harvey, Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visits the pediatric ward aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) with the department’s head, Cmdr. William Scouten, a Chesapeake, Va. native. The Military Sealift Command hospital ship is operating off the coast of Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response providing a full spectrum of hospital services to support disaster relief efforts in the battered Caribbean nation. The Navy has coordinated efforts with several nongovernmental organizations and U.S. agencies to bring critical services to the people of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Finney/Released)
USFFC Arrives Aboard Comfort
100202-N-9318F-038 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Feb. 2, 2010) USNS Comfort Sailors welcome Adm. J.C. Harvey, Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Harvey came aboard the hospital ship to provide encouragement to the crew for the critical medical care they have provided to the people of Haiti in conjunction with Operation Unified Response since arriving off the Coast of Port-au-Prince Jan. 20. The Caribbean nation was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has left 200,000 dead and another 300,000 injured according to Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Brian Finney/Released)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Father Reunites with Three-Month-Old Daughter
100202-N-1525C-070 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Feb. 2, 2010) Haitian national Antonio Jeanite is reunited with his three-month-old daughter, Christ-Yarah, aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) Feb. 2. "I am very happy," said Jeanite. "It has been seven days since I sent my daughter to another hospital." The reunion was helped along by Port-au-Prince native Fireman Jean Rabel, a Navy translator working aboard Comfort, and Lt. j.g. Joe Fiscus of Rochester, Pa. Sailors and civilians aboard Comfort are currently supporting Operation Unified Response, a multinational humanitarian effort to bring aid to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) J. L. Chirrick/Released)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Artist Finds Comfort Aboard U.S. Hospital Ship
100127-N-8366W-011 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH-20), At Anchor (Jan. 27, 2010) Haiti earthquake survivor Hugues Larose recently created a sketching representing events surrounding the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 12. Larose is currently being treated for a leg injury by Sailors aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort is participating in Operation Unified Response, a multinational effort between military and nongovernmental agencies to provide humanitarian aid to ease the suffering of the people of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/Released)
Art Provides Outlet for Haitian Man
100127-N-8366W-009 ABOARD USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Jan. 27, 2010) Hugues Larose, a survivor of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12, shares a sketching he created from his memory of the incident with Capt. James Ware, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Larose is currently being treated on the hospital ship for injuries to his right leg caused by rubble falling onto him from a building during the earthquake. Comfort is participating in Operation Unified Response, a multinational effort between military and nongovermental agencies to provide humanitarian aid to ease the suffering of the Haitian people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Ccommunication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/Released)
Healing Hands Lead to Smiles
100131-N-6410J-016 USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Jan. 31, 2010) – Lt. Sheila Almendras-Flaherty of Queens, New York, gets a smile from a young Haitian boy in the pediatric ward aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort is currently supporting Operation Unified Response along with more than 30 countries and 100 non-governmental organizations. The multinational force is providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti in the wake of a 7.0 earthquake that devastated the nation Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
A Helping Hand
100131-N-6410J-002 USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Jan. 31, 2010) USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) nurse Lt. Sheila Almendras-Flaherty of Queens, New York, shifts a Haitian girl on her bed in the pediatric ward during Operation Unified Response. Comfort continues to accept and treat patients in conjunction with international disaster relief efforts to help the people of Haiti recover from an earthquake that struck Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Haiti Infants Receive Care Aboard Comfort
100127-N-8366W-005 USNS COMFORT T-AH 20), At Anchor (Jan. 27, 2010) – Cmdr. Sue Adamson updates a patient’s medical chart after a follow-up examination on board the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Working in the pediatric ward aboard Comfort, Adamson is contributing to Operation Unified Response by helping pregnant women and their babies affected by the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. Food, water and medical assistance are being provided to the Haitian people to help ease their suffering and assist in rebuilding their country. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/RELEASED)
Pediatrics Aboard Comfort
100127-N-8366W-004 USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), At Anchor (Jan. 27, 2010) – Cmdr. Sue Adamson holds a newborn Haitian baby girl on board the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Adamson works in the Pediatric clinic, contributing to Operation Unified Response, a multinational effort to ease the pain and suffering of the Haitian people by providing food, water and medical treatment. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation Jan. 12 leaving the country in ruin. Comfort is tending to a spectrum of injuries and wounds caused by the disaster. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/RELEASED)
Brooklyn Nurse Serves Aboard Comfort
100129-N-6410J-051 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 29, 2010) – Ensign Erica M. Diamond, a nurse aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) who hails from Brooklyn, New York, gently holds a newborn infant in her arms. The crew of the hospital ship continues to treat Haitian victims of an earthquake that struck Jan. 12. More than 30 countries and 100 non-governmental organizations are contributing to Operation Unified Response, an international endeavor to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
Care Aboard Comfort
100129-N-6410J-050 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 29, 2010) – Ensign Erica M. Diamond, a nurse aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) who hails from Brooklyn, New York, gently holds a newborn infant in her arms. The crew of the hospital ship continues to treat Haitian victims of an earthquake that struck Jan. 12. More than 30 countries and 100 non-governmental organizations are contributing to Operation Unified Response, an international endeavor to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Working Hard for the People of Haiti
Apologize for the delay in updating you all on where things are with the Comfort, but as you can guess we have been quite busy over the past few days. We have already seen more than 500 patients and conducted well over 100 surgeries.
As we go along, our processes just keep getting better allowing us to help more people. It's amazing to watch the teamwork and camaraderie develop. We usually take our first patients of the day at around 7 a.m. and continue embarking patients up to sunset. We can't fly patients after sunset over the water unless it's an emergency.
While the admittance of patients may stop at sunset, it doesn't mean we are done for the day. We ensure that we fill every bed in casualty receiving and the holding wards to maximize our patient flow.
We also use this time to take on supplies via helicopters. This usually requires a team of 40 Sailors or so, who have already put in a full day elsewhere. They do not complain, though. They came here to help and know that supplies are critical to our ability to do so.
When walking around at night, the fact that the ship never sleeps is apparent. Our wards are filling up, the OR runs to early in the morning, the ICU's are packed.
As night sets in, there is quiet professionalism displayed by the medical professionals as they go about the business of providing care to the injured. The supply folks move supplies to where they are needed so as not to impact the high volume of patient flow, the galley is open 24-hours-a-day, and the ships store and barbershop have extended hours to meet the demands of all of the shift work being done.
Every person aboard is focused and willing to give everything they have to help. And they do! With every little bit that they do, in each and every hour, from night to day, they are making a difference for the people of Haiti.
As we go along, our processes just keep getting better allowing us to help more people. It's amazing to watch the teamwork and camaraderie develop. We usually take our first patients of the day at around 7 a.m. and continue embarking patients up to sunset. We can't fly patients after sunset over the water unless it's an emergency.
While the admittance of patients may stop at sunset, it doesn't mean we are done for the day. We ensure that we fill every bed in casualty receiving and the holding wards to maximize our patient flow.
We also use this time to take on supplies via helicopters. This usually requires a team of 40 Sailors or so, who have already put in a full day elsewhere. They do not complain, though. They came here to help and know that supplies are critical to our ability to do so.
When walking around at night, the fact that the ship never sleeps is apparent. Our wards are filling up, the OR runs to early in the morning, the ICU's are packed.
As night sets in, there is quiet professionalism displayed by the medical professionals as they go about the business of providing care to the injured. The supply folks move supplies to where they are needed so as not to impact the high volume of patient flow, the galley is open 24-hours-a-day, and the ships store and barbershop have extended hours to meet the demands of all of the shift work being done.
Every person aboard is focused and willing to give everything they have to help. And they do! With every little bit that they do, in each and every hour, from night to day, they are making a difference for the people of Haiti.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Lt. Cmdr. Felicia Smith Photo Request
100125-N-4047W-025 PORT-AU-PRINCE, At Anchor (Jan. 25, 2010) – Lt. Cmdr. Felecia Smith, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Brookhaven, Ms., dresses an amputees wound with the help of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Steven Buckingham of Eureka, Calif. Smith and Buckingham are part of the wound care team aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort is in Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response by providing medical care to people injured during the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck the area Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Warner/RELEASED)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 3
Yesterday was a blur of activity for the crew aboard Comfort as 68 patients were embarked for treatment. Additionally, the ship received additional crew members via small boats.
Our new crew members are a welcome sight. Like those on board, they have a can do attitude and are ready to help wherever they can. Some were directly involved in caring for patients within 90 minutes of their arrival.
In addition to the new crew members, we have embarked several Red Cross and Navy translators to ensure there is a clear line of communication between our doctors and the patients they are caring for.
Everyone is giving their all in this effort, not only doing the jobs that they were called to do here, but also assisting in other areas wherever they can. Sleep is a commodity that no one wants to purchase, instead pouring their all into the effort, getting just enough to maintain their sharpness to guarantee the best level of care that can be provided.
The good work continues and today will bring another wave of patients who need help, and the crew of Comfort stands ready to meet the demand from the very depth of their being.
Our new crew members are a welcome sight. Like those on board, they have a can do attitude and are ready to help wherever they can. Some were directly involved in caring for patients within 90 minutes of their arrival.
In addition to the new crew members, we have embarked several Red Cross and Navy translators to ensure there is a clear line of communication between our doctors and the patients they are caring for.
Everyone is giving their all in this effort, not only doing the jobs that they were called to do here, but also assisting in other areas wherever they can. Sleep is a commodity that no one wants to purchase, instead pouring their all into the effort, getting just enough to maintain their sharpness to guarantee the best level of care that can be provided.
The good work continues and today will bring another wave of patients who need help, and the crew of Comfort stands ready to meet the demand from the very depth of their being.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Baby Esther
100121-N-6410J-485 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 21, 2010) – Esther, the first baby born aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sleeps in the pediatric ward after being delivered at 2:27 p.m. EST. Born seven weeks premature, she weighs less than five pounds, but entered the world healthy and without complications aboard the hospital ship. Comfort is in the Caribbean nation supporting Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
A New Life Aboard Comfort
100121-N-6410J-483 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 21, 2010) – Medical professionals aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) delivered baby Esther at 2:27 p.m. Jan. 21, She is the first baby delivered aboard the 1,000-bed floating hospital, which is in Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response. Weighing less than five pounds, baby Esther was delivered prematurely via cesarean section due to her mother having sustained a pelvis and femur fracture during the earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. Despite being premature, she is healthy and was delivered without complications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)
Day 2
In the past few days, Comfort's creww has touched hundreds lives touched with her healing power. The crew of the ship is definitely living up to their motto of “Care of the sick on the Sea.” Today was definitely a day an unforgettable day for crew members. At 2:27 p.m., highly skilled pediatric professionals LCDR Erika Beard-Irvine and LCDR Shannon Lamb performed the flawless delivery of a baby girl, Esther, into the world. She weighed 4 lbs, 5 oz., was born healthy with no health problems, and has been breathing on her own.
Baby Esther was born 7 weeks premature and was named by her mother shortly before her c-section delivery. Her mother was aboard Comfort receiving care from injuries suffered in the earthquake that devastated Haiti Jan. 12. Fractures to her pelvis and femur caused her water to break early.
The Haitian woman underwent surgery following her c-section to fix her broken bones. As of this morning, Esther’s mom was in the Intensive Care Unit and she has yet to meet her baby girl.
This experience brought an additional level of morale to a crew that was already motivated.
So far, Comfort has seen 184 patients. 58 of those patients have undergone surgery.
Baby Esther was born 7 weeks premature and was named by her mother shortly before her c-section delivery. Her mother was aboard Comfort receiving care from injuries suffered in the earthquake that devastated Haiti Jan. 12. Fractures to her pelvis and femur caused her water to break early.
The Haitian woman underwent surgery following her c-section to fix her broken bones. As of this morning, Esther’s mom was in the Intensive Care Unit and she has yet to meet her baby girl.
This experience brought an additional level of morale to a crew that was already motivated.
So far, Comfort has seen 184 patients. 58 of those patients have undergone surgery.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 1
The USNS Comfort arrived off the coast of Port Au Prince this morning at approximately 0630 and dropped anchor just past 0800. Our wake up call on this day was a registered 5.9 earthquake that shook the ship as if it were exercising severe stern propulsion. Nonetheless, activity continued on pace as we were set to continue our patient transfer procedures.
Today was amazing for several reasons. Although their were faces which held despairand pain, there was relief from healing hands and an apparent admiration for the skill and compassion of the doctors, nurses and corpsmen aboard this ship. We all wear the uniform and we all serve a singular purpose to defend America; but here on this ship today, men and women of the United States Navy saved lives and genuinely performed out of the goodness of their hearts with the steely determination of their skilled minds. It was, to say the least, inspirational.
This is a feeling that you want to hold, that you want to keep it in a bottle and place it where you can see it and touch it all day long. It's the feeling of doing good for the sake of doing good and not because you're being watched or that there is another ulterior motive in mind. These men and women want to do their jobs and do it well. They deserve applause.
We will continue to communicate the story of what is happening here: the real life that is happening here, the humanity that is happening here, the good that is happening here. For it is truly - INSPIRATIONAL.
Today was amazing for several reasons. Although their were faces which held despairand pain, there was relief from healing hands and an apparent admiration for the skill and compassion of the doctors, nurses and corpsmen aboard this ship. We all wear the uniform and we all serve a singular purpose to defend America; but here on this ship today, men and women of the United States Navy saved lives and genuinely performed out of the goodness of their hearts with the steely determination of their skilled minds. It was, to say the least, inspirational.
This is a feeling that you want to hold, that you want to keep it in a bottle and place it where you can see it and touch it all day long. It's the feeling of doing good for the sake of doing good and not because you're being watched or that there is another ulterior motive in mind. These men and women want to do their jobs and do it well. They deserve applause.
We will continue to communicate the story of what is happening here: the real life that is happening here, the humanity that is happening here, the good that is happening here. For it is truly - INSPIRATIONAL.
Six-Year-Old Safe Aboard Comfort
100119-N-4995K-125 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 19, 2010) Medical professionals aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) treat a six-year-old Haitian boy in the casualty receiving room aboard the 1,000-bed hospital ship. The boy transferred to Comfort by helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for treatment for an injury to his bladder and a hip fracture during an earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan 12. The boy is in the intensive care unit aboard Comfort in stable condition. Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response, a joint operation providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)
Six-Year-Old Treated Aboard Comfort
100119-N-8366W-067 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 19, 2010) Medical professionals aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) treat a six-year-old Haitian boy in the casualty receiving room aboard the 1,000-bed hospital ship. The boy transferred to Comfort by helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for treatment for an injury to his bladder and a hip fracture during an earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan 12. The boy is in the intensive care unit aboard Comfort in stable condition. Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response, a joint operation providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/Released)
Six-Year-Old Assessed Aboard Comfort
100119-N-4995K-187 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 19, 2010) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Adam Buzzeo prepares medical equipment during the assessment of a six-year-old Haitian boy brought aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). The boy, who was Comfort's first patient as part of Operation Unified Response, suffered an injury to his bladder and a hip fracture during an earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan 12. The boy is in the intensive care unit aboard Comfort in stable condition. Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response, a joint operation providing humanitarian assistance to Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
First Haiti Patients Heading to Comfort
For many on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States the workday is over. However, for the civilian and Navy crewmembers aboard USNS Comfort steaming to provide relief to Haitians devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the workday thought over began anew.
Shortly after 9 p.m. the loudspeakers aboard the ship, used to pass general messages, rang out an announcement that the ship would be going to flight quarters. This initial call to action was followed by other messages for medical team leaders to begin preparations to receive patients.
The ship took on a new life as aviation personnel, doctors, nurses, corpsman and other support services personnel mustered to prepare the floating 1,000-bed hospital to receive it's first two patients, inbound via helicopter from USS Carl Vinson.
The sheer thought of it is amazing. Just three days ago, Comfort got underway from her homeport of Baltimore to begin what was thought to be a six-day trip before the first patients would arrive. Instead, they are now on their way three days early due to the tireless efforts of the crew, who got the ship deployed in record time. This too is an astounding feat, given that the ship's mission requirement dictates that she be prepared to sail in no less than five days once a deployment order is received. Comfort did it in less than 77 hours!
In the three days that Comfort has been underway, the combined crew leaned forward on all fronts. All hands worked long hours to meet the needs of the patients they now have inbound. Their enthusiasm is contagious and has shown at the end of each day by the lack of standing room on the mess decks for nightly briefs to the crew. While not mandatory, the briefs have drawn a full house each night. Camaraderie is apparent at the briefs, which keep our Sailors abreast of any of the changes in our plans.
This evening, though, changes to the plan came quickly when coordination between key members aboard Carl Vinson and Comfort determined that patients intended to fly aboard Comfort tomorrow were in critical condition and needed top medical care tonight. The choice was an easy one for those aboard both vessels, and the decision was made to affect the transfer tonight to give a six-year-old boy with a bladder injury and pelvic fracture and a 20-year-old man with a head injury and skull fracture their best chances at a future brighter than the one presented in the aftermath of Jan. 12.
Tonight begins yet another step in the United States commitment to our Haitian neighbors already begun by our brothers and sisters on board Carl Vinson, Bataan, and our sister services. We are proud to be here to help. We are capable and eager to face the uncertain challenges of the days ahead. Most of all, we are thankful to be here early to bring much needed aid to our friends in Haiti!
Shortly after 9 p.m. the loudspeakers aboard the ship, used to pass general messages, rang out an announcement that the ship would be going to flight quarters. This initial call to action was followed by other messages for medical team leaders to begin preparations to receive patients.
The ship took on a new life as aviation personnel, doctors, nurses, corpsman and other support services personnel mustered to prepare the floating 1,000-bed hospital to receive it's first two patients, inbound via helicopter from USS Carl Vinson.
The sheer thought of it is amazing. Just three days ago, Comfort got underway from her homeport of Baltimore to begin what was thought to be a six-day trip before the first patients would arrive. Instead, they are now on their way three days early due to the tireless efforts of the crew, who got the ship deployed in record time. This too is an astounding feat, given that the ship's mission requirement dictates that she be prepared to sail in no less than five days once a deployment order is received. Comfort did it in less than 77 hours!
In the three days that Comfort has been underway, the combined crew leaned forward on all fronts. All hands worked long hours to meet the needs of the patients they now have inbound. Their enthusiasm is contagious and has shown at the end of each day by the lack of standing room on the mess decks for nightly briefs to the crew. While not mandatory, the briefs have drawn a full house each night. Camaraderie is apparent at the briefs, which keep our Sailors abreast of any of the changes in our plans.
This evening, though, changes to the plan came quickly when coordination between key members aboard Carl Vinson and Comfort determined that patients intended to fly aboard Comfort tomorrow were in critical condition and needed top medical care tonight. The choice was an easy one for those aboard both vessels, and the decision was made to affect the transfer tonight to give a six-year-old boy with a bladder injury and pelvic fracture and a 20-year-old man with a head injury and skull fracture their best chances at a future brighter than the one presented in the aftermath of Jan. 12.
Tonight begins yet another step in the United States commitment to our Haitian neighbors already begun by our brothers and sisters on board Carl Vinson, Bataan, and our sister services. We are proud to be here to help. We are capable and eager to face the uncertain challenges of the days ahead. Most of all, we are thankful to be here early to bring much needed aid to our friends in Haiti!
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