March 18, 2020: The Hospital Ships Which Were Never Used

Reminder. 4 years ago President Trump authorized the launching of the ships, the USNS Mercy and Comfort. These were two hospital ships that were deployed by the United States Navy to support the nation's COVID-19 pandemic response.

The ships were sent to Los Angeles and New York City respectively to provide medical and surgical care to non-COVID-19 patients, in an effort to alleviate the burden on local hospitals.

The total cost of deploying these ships is not publicly disclosed, but it is known that the operating cost for the USNS Comfort is approximately $2 million per week. This includes the cost of supplies, fuel, and personnel. The USNS Mercy has a similar operating cost. So, how'd they do? And what did they help with? Short answer: not much.

During their deployment, the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort treated a combined total of approximately 182 patients, with 70% of them being COVID-19 positive.

The ships had a combined capacity of 2,000 beds but were completely underutilized BECAUSE OUR LEADERS HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE DOING.