USNS Mercy T-AH 19

Fox is reporting that the Navy is sending the hospital ship Mercy from San Diego to assist. She has a large helicopter pad and extra boats to ferry to and fro. She can make 17.5 knots, so don't expect her before the end of the month. Note that she has fresh water tankage of 1,525 tons plus two distilling plants of 278 tons per day.

I visualize a Project Hope operation, military style, for the long term health of the survivors.

Update: The trip is estimated to take 33 days. See http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20050103-1136-tsunami-militarymission.html