JOLO, Republic of the PHILIPPINES - (June 08, 2006) - The Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), anchored off of the coast of Jolo City. Since its arrival, Mercy's staff has assisted thousands of local citizens with medical and dental care. During its one week stay, this care is provided by a portion of Mercy's staff working side by side with their Filipino counterparts at several medical centers in the city, as well as patients being given care on the ship itself. Mercy is on a five month humanitarian deployment to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The ship is able to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice and is capable of supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs with special medical equipment and a multi-specialized medical team, providing 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 that have significant medical capabilities.