T-AH Money and Operations

Both ships follow a similar, cyclical schedule. The ships typically deploy once every 2 years on the Continuing Promise or Pacific Partnership mission for 2-6 months. At the end of the mission, they return to their homeports and de-crew into reduced operating status and prepare to enter a maintenance period. After their shipyard and maintenance periods, they return to their homeport, re-crew and prepare their next deployment. Wash, rinse and repeat. Unless they are activated to respond to a crisis or other world event.

Unlike the rest of the MSC fleet, the hospital ships spend more time in port than at sea. With a stable schedule during deployment, the Comfort and the Mercy typically dock for 4-15 days at each mission stop and are underway for 1-3 days to transit to the next port. Unlike most MSC ships, they navigate directly between ports via the most direct route.

Due to their size, the hospital ships frequently anchor out. Many ports cannot handle them pier side, so liberty boats or the onboard tenders are needed to transport patient or go on liberty.

Like most hybrid ships, the Comfort and the Mercy are relatively high paying ships. For rates whose ship pay is based on gross tonnage, the hospital ships have some of the highest pay in MSC. Moreover, berthing pay and other premium pay codes are commonly applied throughout the course of routine MSC tasks.

Life on board the hospitals ships is different than the typical MSC ship. For starters, the ship has a lot of people on board. When fully operational, expect there to be around 1,000 people on board, most of which are active-duty Navy. With the Navy presence, the culture of the ships is controlled by the Navy Chain of Command. Frequent 1MC pipes, ringing people on and off and cleaning stations are daily events. Don’t worry, MSC does not need to partake in the Navy procedures and the MSC Master is the officer in charge of the CIVMARs. However, expect to interact with the Navy daily. Generally, the Navy is unfamiliar with MSC and CIVMARs, so be prepared to answer a lot of questions.  

These ships are big and old ship. When on deployment, two day thirds are usually added to operate the on board tender boats to transport patients from ship to shore when anchored out.

The hospital ships are some of the few remaining steam engines so keep that in mind if you are trying to advance your license. Additionally, each engineering watch has 2 3/AEs and there is a day third billet. 1 3A/E stands watch in the steam plant for aft house and propulsion and another 3 A/E Stands watch in the AMR which holds 3 diesel generators to power the forward house and hospital. 

There is an incinerator on board. Burning oily rags is a common occurrence and a good way to earn overtime. Additionally, since the ship is so large, there are a LOT of lightbulbs. Electricians will get their steps in changing the lightbulbs on board. Moreover, With 1,000 plus people on board, hotel services and maintenance items like plumbing and lighting are common occurrences.

When in reduced operating status, the Supply Department is only manned with a YNSK. Prior to deployment a JSO will be added. All Port Services, to include the Navy requirements, are routed through the MSC Supply Department. There is a Navy Supply Department on board and proper coordination between the departments is essential for success.

MSC and Navy Food Service are separate. Separate galleys, inventories and food deliveries. You do not need to feed any Navy personnel; however, it is a good idea to have a positive working relationship with your Navy counterparts.

There is only a CRET in the MSC communications department. The onboard Navy takes care of most of the communications and LAN requirements. Also note, the hospital ships are notorious for poor communications and connectivity.