210413-N-LW757-1046

SAN DIEGO (Apr. 13, 2021) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) transits to the Pacific Ocean from Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support the V-22 Osprey aircraft and MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters. Mercy is preparing for a dynamic interface exercise, where the ship’s aviation facilities will be evaluated in adverse weather conditions. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to project combat power over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)