I am Captain Thomas Finger, USNS Comfort’s Ship’s Master. As the Master or “Captain” I am responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel and in overall command of the ship. My crew consists of 64, highly qualified; United States Coast Guard licensed and/or documented civil service mariners. We are all employees of the Department of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. We work closely with the Commodore Bob Lineberry and his fine staff and the outstanding team of Medical Professionals led by Capt. J. J. Ware to make USNS Comfort go.
As I write this we are well along our track from Miami to Haiti. The Miami port visit last Saturday and Sunday was great! Though I have spent more than 30 years at sea this was the first time that I had taken a ship into Miami, never mind one the size of Comfort (think three football fields long, over one hundred feet wide and more than six stories high). Approaching from the north just before dawn we could see the city lights in the distance. As the sun came up all aboard were greeted by the sight of beautiful beaches stretching to the north with the city skyline dead ahead. We picked up the Biscayne Bay pilot, an individual with extensive local knowledge and outstanding shiphandling skills who comes aboard to guide visiting ships in and out of port, shortly after 8:00 AM. We then traveled the full length of the main ship channel, passing three passenger ships that were even larger than Comfort. Assisted by four tug boats the ship then turned 180 degrees and headed back up the channel tying up to berth 56W at about 10 O’clock. While this was a “liberty” port the MSC crew had a lot of work to do before they could hit the beach. Engineering watchstanders continued to provide hotel services for the more than 900 people living aboard, while deck and engine department personnel completed minor repairs and conducted required maintenance. We also loaded some last minute cargo, worked with the ship’s agent to ensure that all required services were received and stood safety and security watches.
When dawn broke on Monday morning it was time to leave the great city of Miami. By noon we had reached the Bahamas and were well on our way to Haiti. During the transit we are continuing to conduct training and make final preparations for our arrival in Port au Prince. As the trip continues I will try to give provide an idea of what it takes to keep a ship as large and complex as Comfort operating smoothly so the skilled medical professionals aboard can safely and effectively do their jobs. I will also be happy to answer questions about the ship that anyone might have.
As I write this we are well along our track from Miami to Haiti. The Miami port visit last Saturday and Sunday was great! Though I have spent more than 30 years at sea this was the first time that I had taken a ship into Miami, never mind one the size of Comfort (think three football fields long, over one hundred feet wide and more than six stories high). Approaching from the north just before dawn we could see the city lights in the distance. As the sun came up all aboard were greeted by the sight of beautiful beaches stretching to the north with the city skyline dead ahead. We picked up the Biscayne Bay pilot, an individual with extensive local knowledge and outstanding shiphandling skills who comes aboard to guide visiting ships in and out of port, shortly after 8:00 AM. We then traveled the full length of the main ship channel, passing three passenger ships that were even larger than Comfort. Assisted by four tug boats the ship then turned 180 degrees and headed back up the channel tying up to berth 56W at about 10 O’clock. While this was a “liberty” port the MSC crew had a lot of work to do before they could hit the beach. Engineering watchstanders continued to provide hotel services for the more than 900 people living aboard, while deck and engine department personnel completed minor repairs and conducted required maintenance. We also loaded some last minute cargo, worked with the ship’s agent to ensure that all required services were received and stood safety and security watches.
When dawn broke on Monday morning it was time to leave the great city of Miami. By noon we had reached the Bahamas and were well on our way to Haiti. During the transit we are continuing to conduct training and make final preparations for our arrival in Port au Prince. As the trip continues I will try to give provide an idea of what it takes to keep a ship as large and complex as Comfort operating smoothly so the skilled medical professionals aboard can safely and effectively do their jobs. I will also be happy to answer questions about the ship that anyone might have.
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