200329-N-FK318-1084

200329-N-FK318-1084 LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2020) Sailors transport the first patient aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) into the casualty receiving area, March 29, 2020. Mercy deployed in support of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts, and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore base hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense's missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Abigayle Lutz/Released)