Military Sealift Command's hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Naval Station Norfolk, May 10, to begin its scheduled underway as part of Comfort Exercise (COMFEX) 2018.

COMFEX is an advanced-phase training exercise designed to prepare and test the capabilities of the ship's U.S. Navy medical professionals and civil service mariners (CIVMAR), ensuring readiness to rapidly answer any emergent crisis.

"The exercise will be a culmination of over two weeks of preparation and training on land and at sea," said Capt. Kevin Buckley, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility (MTF) aboard Comfort. "With an upcoming hurricane season, it's imperative that we'll be ready if called upon."

In the fall of 2017, Comfort quickly responded for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria.

"We had 900 crew members [aboard] and ready to go in less than 48 hours," said Buckley. "Our efforts in Puerto Rico resulted in the treatment of more than 6,000 individuals."

Buckley said the ship's crew was able to provide medical care and resources such as food, water and oxygen to those in need.

"Although USNS Comfort's mission capability supports humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, our first and primary role is to support combat operations," said Buckley.

The ship will be revitalizing this primary role while underway during COMFEX 18 by landing the MH-53E "Super Stallion", assigned to the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14. The MH-53E is one of the largest military helicopters and capable of carrying up to 55 troops.

Buckley said it has been more than 10 years since the Comfort has had a helicopter of its size land on the flight deck.

Comfort's Master Capt. David Murrin, the ship's leading civil CIVMAR, said helicopter operations and other evolutions performed during COMFEX's underway portion adds a new level of accountability.

"It's for a captive audience and the exercise is a check to ensure there are no gaps in our systems," said Murrin. "Overall, this will enhance the Comfort's training equity."

Comfort is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Comfort. Comfort was built as a San Clemente-class oil tanker in 1976 by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. Her original name was S.S. Rose City and the ship was launched from San Diego.

The ship's career as an oil tanker ended when it was delivered to the U.S. Navy as USNS Comfort Dec. 1, 1987.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/.