There is another aspect, the continuity factor. When the COMFORT sailed on her 12 country mission last year, she had a complement of about 850 souls, from the Navy, AF, Army, USHPS, Coast Guard, Canadian Defense Forces and NGO volunteers. Most had never previously met and many had never been to sea before. It is not hard to imagine what the first few weeks were like. If we had been called upon to deal with a DR mission before week 4, I think we would have had real problems. The first month was a training exercise for all on board.

By the time the COMFORT sails on a future mission, almost everyone who sailed last year will be dispersed to the four winds, The CO and the leadership will be starting almost from scratch. The Mercy when she leaves for SE Asia in June will have exactly the same issues. These are the facts of life in the modern US Navy. Here again there is a role for NGOs who have access to experienced people who have 'been there and got the tee shirt'.