USNS MERCY DEPLOYS FROM SAN DIEGO

The Mercy has deployed from San Diego. Highlights:

The United States Naval Ship Mercy has deployed to Southeast Asia to provide medical services to victims of the tsunami. USNS Mercy is currently configured with 250 patient beds, but has a capacity to be expanded to 1,000 beds if necessary . . . Although it will take 3 to 4 weeks for the USNS Mercy to arrive, it is expected that the timing of her arrival will aid in the treatment of patients with illness or infections as a result of the tsunami . . . USNS Mercy sailed with a staff of 275 aboard.