June 20, 2006
U.S. Embassy News Release
U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Mercy Leaves Philippines after Treating Thousands of Patients
After treating thousands of patients during their month-long stay in the Philippines, the staff of the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy had to say goodbye to their new friends in the Philippines. On Sunday, June 18 the USNS Mercy left Philippine waters to continue its five-month tour of Southeast Asia, bringing medical and humanitarian care to residents of other countries in the region.
“The ship’s visit was a powerful symbol of our two nations’ partnership to bring greater peace and prosperity to the country,” said U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney. “The crew of the USNS Mercy, along with its many partners from civilian organizations and the Philippine Government and Armed Forces, were able to help thousands of Filipinos get back on their feet, feel healthy, and get the medical treatment that they needed. I’m thrilled that the U.S. Government was able to partner with our Philippine friends in such a remarkable way.”
The USNS Mercy visited Manila, Zamboanga, Jolo, and Tawi Tawi to provide medical care and humanitarian projects to area residents. The ship also hosted a visit from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who spoke to the many Filipino-Americans deployed on the USNS Mercy.
The ship arrived in Manila on May 20, where it loaded supplies and personnel from non-governmental organizations, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the local and national Philippine government. In tandem with these partners, USNS Mercy medical personnel provided medical and surgical services to thousands of Filipinos both in the ship’s on-board facilities and at hospitals and medical centers on shore in various port cities.
“I feel really blessed that I get to use my work time to be doing something I believe in,” said Navy Lt. Courtney Crane, a nurse aboard the USNS Mercy. “It’s nice to also be (working) with people who are excited about doing so much good for so many people.”
In addition to the medical teams, the USNS Mercy brought teams of U.S. Navy sailors who specialize in construction to assist in engineering and building projects in the country. The U.S. Navy Showband was also on board.
“It was very successful,” said Sadikul Sahali, governor of the Tawi-Tawi province. “People were treated for many diseases. I hope Mercy will come back to the province of Tawi-Tawi. We hope this is only the first time you come, not the last.”
The USNS Mercy supports U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide with various medical and dental services, and has special medical equipment plus a team of multi-specialized medical professionals on board.
But this humanitarian mission would not have been successful without the many partners involved in making this visit happen. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and regional and local governments were instrumental in bringing the Mercy to the country, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were also several non-government organizations (NGOs) who have been working in the Philippines, and others who arrived with the Mercy, who assisted in the visit.
The U.S. Naval’s hospital ship Mercy was last deployed to Southeast Asia in 2004-2005 following the December 2004 tsunami. Mercy also responded to the 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Nias, Indonesia.
For more information and photos of the USNS Mercy’s visit to the Philippines, visit http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news_images/Mercy/index.htm or www.philippines.usembassy.gov.
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