The USNS Mercy stayed in three ports while in Indonesia, but the crew traveled to many different islands, using the ship as a base of operations. Using small boats, helicopters, and Australian landing craft, the crew was able to disperse among the various islands (the Australian landing craft were needed for islands that had no docks for boats or airports or open fields for landing helicopters; these boats, like the landing craft used to ferry Marines ashore in WWII, could drive right up onto the beach to get the workers and supplies onto the isolated islands).
The Island of Morotai:
- Morotai General Hospital Patient Ward
This small hospital is located on the island of Morotai and serves a population of 18,000 residents. It is the primary medical facility for the residents of the island, and provides basic to moderate medical services. The staff consists of three Doctors and 40 Nurses, including Midwifes. The Hospital treats an average of 25 patients per day, 10-15 deliveries per month.
PROJECT SCOPE: The total renovation of existing clinic included the removal of the masonry capped finish on the floors and the installation of new ceramic tile throughout. It also included the replacement of damaged sections of corrugated roofing, soffit, and ceilings. A new concrete stoop at the entranceway was made, as well as other repairs to the concrete sidewalks. New electrical wiring, light fixtures, switches and outlets were installed, and four restrooms were cleaned and renovated. The locksets on all interior and exterior doors were replaced. All interior and exterior masonry walls were repaired and resurfaced. Broken windows were repaired and insect screens were installed at all openings. The exterior was power washed and all interior and exterior walls were primed and painted. Finally, the existing roof was painted with a waterproof coating.
Side of patient ward before
Side of patient ward after
Front of patient ward before
Front of patient ward at the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Typical Asian ‘squat’ toilet before (each toilet would have a container of water and a scoop that was used to pour water down the toilet after use). Although not talked about often, toilets and cleanliness was a big problem working in the field in all of the countries we visited!
Typical toilet after renovation
Typical room before
Typical room after
Main hallway after renovation
PERSONNEL: 11 FLY-IN Seabees
DURATION: 01 JUL 2010 – 14 JUL 2010
MAN-DAYS EXPENDED: 139
