Pensacola Sailors Return From COVID-19 Efforts in New York

May 13, 2020 | BY MARCUS HENRY

Thirteen of the 18 Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola sailors sent to support the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort's COVID-19 relief efforts in New York returned to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, May 5.

The sailors spent 31 days aboard the Comfort providing relief to New York City's health care system overstressed by the surge of COVID-19 patients.

The Comfort arrived in Hampton Roads Harbor in Norfolk, Virginia, May 2, where the ship was disinfected and the crew was tested for COVID-19.

"I am incredibly proud and honored to serve with these sailors," Navy Capt. David Webster, the commanding officer of Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola, said. "I am appreciative of everything they've done for our service and our nation."

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, every sailor returning from the ship was tested for COVID-19 and placed on a 14-day restriction of movement. The sailors will be tested for COVID-19 a second time after the completion of the 14-day quarantine.

Established in 1826, the Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola's mission is to deliver high-quality health care to ensure a medically ready force and a ready medical force through strategic partnerships and innovation. The command comprises the main hospital and ten branch health clinics across five states.

(Marcus Henry is assigned to Naval Hospital Pensacola.)