USNS COMFORT T-AH 20

09/15/2023

09/14/2023

On September 14th, Navy personnel and their families come together to express gratitude towards the command ombudsmen for their unwavering service to the Fleet and Family. This tradition dates back to 1970 when Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. introduced the Navy Family Command Ombudsman Program through Z-Gram 24. For over five decades, the selfless volunteers of this vital program have been making a significant impact. As we commemorate the anniversary of the Ombudsman Program, let us reflect on the importance of a command ombudsman and the advantages of the Ombudsman Program.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our very own Ombudsman, Mrs. Garcia, for her selflessness in serving.

08/26/2023

As we conclude COMFEX, we want to express our admiration and praise for our Assistant Supply Officer and Operations Officer. Their outstanding contributions have been nothing short of exceptional over the past few years. Moreover, we identify a few remarkable Sailors who truly stood out during COMFEX and deserve recognition. Last but not least, we take a moment to honor the Blue Jacket of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter, and Sailor of the Quarter!

08/25/2023

The Sailors and medical professionals on board the ship work together during the final COMFEX drill to prepare for and respond to a potential mass casualty event. Through teamwork and training, they overcome simulated challenges and ensure the safety of all on board.

08/23/2023

We are putting our medical Sailors to the test with a mock Medsite that includes simulated patients, translators and various scenarios. Our team is fully qualified to handle any situation, no matter how simple or complex. We take pride in being fully equipped to offer our patients comprehensive medical care, including X-rays and medication, to ensure they receive the necessary support and attention. Moreover, we provide dental, optometry and physical therapy services, similar to our authentic Medsite location.

08/22/2023

The Sailors are diligently gearing up for a simulated Medsite, displaying their unwavering commitment to training and readiness for their upcoming mission.

08/22/2023

Sailors aboard the Comfort respond to a scenario of someone falling down the stairs. They train like they fight and prepare for the worst cases!!

08/17/2023

We would like to thank the distinguished visitors from Defense Health Agency! We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit our ship and see our amazing capabilities!

08/17/2023

👏 NEVER 👏 TAKE 👏 YOUR 👏 👀👏 OFF 👏 THE 🔥

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jason Lawhorn's leadership during the firefighting training at COMFEX was inspiring. He imparted the essential knowledge and skills required to combat a fire, stressing the importance of effective communication, teamwork, constant vigilance and the role of the nozzleman. His efforts in instilling these values will undoubtedly benefit the junior Sailors.

08/17/2023

Right before we kicked off the first day of COMFEX, the Sailors who arrived early to prepare for COMFEX engaged in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high yield explosive exercise! First, they learned the correct method for handling the patients and caring for themselves and their fellow Sailors. After that, they donned the full gear in a 10-minute time frame to simulate an actual casualty and put to test what they had learned. It was a hot and sunny day, but the Sailors pushed through, stayed hydrated and drilled to perfect their craft.

08/16/2023

Congratulation Commander Cromer! Your dedicated service to the Comfort and your exemplary leadership to all the Sailors is truly inspiring. We can't wait to witness your future accomplishments!

08/16/2023

We express our gratitude to Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer and the White House staff for visiting the USNS Comfort! It brings us great joy to showcase our remarkable ship, but most importantly, the dedicated Sailors and Civilian Mariners who operate it.

08/16/2023

It's truly inspiring to be able to celebrate the Navy Medical Service Corps (MSC) 76th birthday, on Aug 4th. With 31 different medical specialties, they are a crucial part of the Navy.

And let's not forget to celebrate those with August birthdays as well!

08/02/2023

The “goodest boy” on the waterfront!

Meet Lt. Angus Darling!

In 2022 Lt. Darling was commissioned as a facility dog in the Nurse Officer Corps, U.S. Navy to create unique bonding experiences for wounded warriors, veterans, active-duty military, and their families through canine companionship.

To learn more about facility dogs, visit: https://health.mil/News/In-the-Spotlight/Dog-Days-of-Summer

08/02/2023

The Apprentice Advancement Alignment NAVADMIN announced some significant changes to the advancement system for the apprentice pay band E-1 to E-4 that will begin in July 2024.

We greatly appreciate your feedback and would like to offer some clarification on some of the frequently asked questions on the post.

Q. How long do I have to serve in total before I am advanced to E-4?

A. Advancement to E-4 requires 30 total months of service regardless of entry rank or time in rating. MAP to E-4 for top-performing Sailors will be authorized.

Q. When will I advance if I joined the service as an E-2 or E-3 due to JROTC, college degree, etc.?

A. Total time-in-service (TIS) to advance to E-4 is 30 months for all Sailors regardless of entry rank. A Sailor who joins as an E-2 will advance to E-3 after 18 months TIS and then to E-4 at 30 months total TIS. A Sailor who joins as an E-3 will advance to E-4 at 30 months total TIS. MAP to E-4 for top-performing Sailors will be authorized.

An example is a Sailor joins as an E-3 on Sept 1, 2024 – they will be an E4 on March 1, 2027.

Q. How does this policy apply to nuclear, advanced technical, and electronic field Sailors who already obligate for additional service to advance to E-4?

A. The policy does not apply to those programs and Sailors will advance to E-4 as dictated by their enlistment contract.

Q. How does this policy affect Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) Sailors advancement?

A. PACT Sailors will continue to earn rating designations that are aligned with the TIS-based advancement.

Q. Is there a wa for me to advance to E-4 before 30 months?

A. Yes! MAP is authorized, allowing commands to recognize their top performing Sailors.

For all the details read NAVADMIN 168/23 and the corresponding fact sheet here: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/NAVADMIN-2023/fbclid/IwAR2ql1r24jKYBuGjZ2abrR_e40AUuFfhjNHvNpumf5-54pQd7KpIiCN1gi4/

For comments and concerns please contact [email protected]

08/01/2023

Captain Lounsberry, your contributions to the USNS Comfort have been invaluable. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we thank you for everything you have done. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. We also extend a warm welcome to our new Ombudsman, Mrs. Garcia, as she takes on this vital role. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

07/31/2023

The USNS Comfort's Triad and distinguished leadership participated in a memorial and respectful Colors ceremony. This time-honored tradition highlights their unwavering dedication to duty and service. Colors offer a feeling of comfort and familiarity, with the tradition happening every morning at 8 am and every evening at sunset. The morning and evening colors serve as a meaningful reminder to respect and preserve long-standing traditions.

07/28/2023

We were thrilled to welcome the International Naval Sea Cadets aboard USNS Comfort for a full day tour to include a surprise visit from Rear Admiral Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command. The cadets represented countries from all over the world, including the United States, Barbados, Canada, and New Zealand. Our team enjoyed having them onboard as the cadets eagerly engaged with both Sailors and Civilian Mariners about our mighty ship!

07/26/2023

Last week we were able to celebrate another Comfort Day! We welcomed Sailors from NMRTC Portsmouth aboard the USNS Comfort to learn about the history of the ship and to familiarize themselves with the ship.

07/25/2023

Catching up with the Comfort

We extend a heartfelt welcome to our new Commanding Officer, Capt. Stephen Arles, and our new Command Senior Chief, John Gagnon. We are thrilled to witness the remarkable progress the Comfort will achieve under your outstanding leadership.

07/24/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

We give our sincerest congratulations to these members of the USNS Comfort team for their exceptional work. Additionally, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cdr. Sandeep Kumar, Director of Administration, whose invaluable contributions have been instrumental in the success of the team. His leadership and management skills have been exemplary, and we are grateful for his tireless efforts in ensuring that the team operates smoothly and efficiently. We are proud to have such selfless and dedicated individuals serving our community, and we wish them the very best in all their future endeavors.

07/24/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Our team is committed to providing support for disaster relief and humanitarian efforts both in the United States and around the world. We prioritize keeping our ship in top condition to ensure that we are always prepared for any situation, no matter where it may occur. By performing our duties diligently every day, we remain ever-ready for action.

07/24/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Captain Lounsberry, your dedication and hard work aboard the USNS Comfort has not gone unnoticed. Congratulations on a job well done.

07/23/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Our recent excursion to the USS Laboon (DDG 58) was made all the more memorable thanks to the gracious hospitality of Lieutenant Angus. With his comforting guidance, we had the opportunity to interact with the hardworking sailors on board and spread happiness and positivity throughout the ship. It was an absolute pleasure!

07/23/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Here's to 125 years of unwavering commitment to our nation's welfare! We are incredibly grateful to all the Corpsmen!

07/23/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Chief Shawn Burnette and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Petty Officer Lester Miller from Biomed and Tram Comfort. We are grateful for their contributions, including their assistance with MWR and SAPR, as well as their participation in Side by Sides during CP22. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

07/23/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Congratulations to the following Sailors! We just wanted to take a moment to send our most hospitable congratulations. You all have truly gone above and beyond what was expected, and we couldn't be more grateful for all the hard work and dedication you've put into Team Comfort. Thank you so much for your outstanding contributions!

07/22/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

We take pride in the valuable contributions of our Petty Officers to the Comfort Team. Their expertise and proficiency play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation aboard the Comfort.

07/22/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

As Command Master Chief Brian "Tito" Santa Cruz departs from the ship, we express our gratitude for the valuable contributions he has made during our time in Alabama and CP22. Though we feel sadness, we are inspired by his dedication and commitment to our mission.

07/22/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Our Chiefs Mess is a source of great pride for us. They work tirelessly to improve not only our junior sailors, but also the overall functioning of our ship.

07/21/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

Team Comfort is the Winning team! Congratulations Sailors! We strive for the best, and you all deliver!

07/21/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

We would like to congratulate the following sailors for exceeding our expectations! Your hard work and determination have paid off. Well done!

07/21/2023

Catching up with the Comfort!

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Senior Dise, but we are comforted by the knowledge that society has gained a truly exceptional individual! We wish you the best of luck, Fair Winds and Following Seas!!

07/10/2023

07/08/2023

🔔 🔔 Strike Four Bells 🔔🔔
CAPTAIN. SUPPLY CORPS. ARRIVING.

Team COMFORT had the pleasure of attending the promotion ceremony for Christopher M. Lounsberry, SUPPO.

Congratulations, Captain Lounsberry!

07/07/2023

Remember why you serve.

“Understanding your values, understanding what kind of impact you want to make in the Navy, will provide a North Star to guide you in rough seas.”

Understanding your values and why you joined the Navy will provide a North Star to guide you in rough seas.

07/07/2023

John Paul Jones!
⚓️ Known as the father, or founder, of the American Navy, the great honor was bestowed upon him, not so much for his remarkable sea exploits, although they were the most brilliant of the Revolutionary War, but rather because of his invaluable services to the Naval Committee of 1775, when that body was engaged in the administrative task of laying the foundations of the American Navy.