By Karen Robes Meeks
After spending the last seven weeks taking on non COVID-19 patients to help relieve area hospitals, the USNS Mercy has left the Port of Los Angeles and returned to its San Diego homeport.
Foss Maritime and sister company Amnav used their new tugboats to guide the Military Sealift Command Hospital Ship out of the port.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the sailors and medical staff of the USNS Mercy for their selfless service,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
The government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a one-of-a-kind mission, said Mission Commander, Capt. Daniel Cobian, commodore Destroyer Squadron 21.
"We provided the framework for the medical treatment facility to meet the mission and be the relief valve, freeing up beds at local hospitals,” he said. “I have continued to be impressed with how the Mercy crew came together and worked toward this goal. I have every confidence that the personnel from Mercy who will continue to work at the skilled nursing facilities as the ship returns to San Diego will continue to provide the high-quality medical care that has been the hallmark of this mission."
