File:US Navy 060604-N-2832L-036 A boy celebrates his 5th birthday aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) where doctors and nurses prepare for the removal of an anterior chest wall mass.jpg

English: Jolo, Philippines (June 4, 2006) - A boy celebrates his 5th birthday aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) where doctors and nurses prepare for the removal of an anterior chest wall mass. The boy and his mother arrived by helicopter for a stint aboard Mercy, while its medical staff takes care of the boy and other Jolo families. Jolo is Mercy's 2nd stop during the ship's scheduled five-month humanitarian aid mission to host nations in the Pacific Islands, and south and Southeast Asia. Mercy has already visited Zamboanga, Philippines where its crew has treated over 9,000 patients in one week. The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron two Five (HSC-25) is attached to Mercy and will provide medical evacuation for patients as well as a mode of transportation for medical personnel to reach the shore. Mercy is uniquely capable of supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs and is configured with special medical equipment and a robust multi-specialized medical team who can provide a range of services ashore as well as aboard the ship. The medical staff is augmented with an assistance crew, many of whom are part of non-governmental organizations; foreign militaries and other branches of U.S. Military That have significant medical capabilities. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice Mike Leporati (RELEASED)