Latest news with #USNSComfort
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Photos Show Where US and China Have Sent Hospital Ships
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Both China and the United States, rivals in the contest for naval dominance in the Pacific, have recently deployed naval hospital ships. USNS Comfort has been conducting a medical mission in Latin America since May 30, according to the U.S. Navy. Meanwhile, CNS Silk Road Ark departed for islands and reefs in the contested South China Sea on Monday, according to the Chinese military. Why It Matters China's navy is larger than its U.S. counterpart by hull count. While most of their vessels are designed for combat, both naval forces operate hospital ships that function as floating mobile medical facilities—supporting military missions, disaster relief and humanitarian operations. The Chinese and American hospital ship deployments come after China commissioned its third oceangoing hospital ship, CNS Auspicious Ark, in May—a major milestone that now sees all three of China's theater command fleets equipped with their own hospital ships. The United States hospital ship USNS Comfort anchors off the coast of St. George's, Grenada, during Continuing Promise 2025 on June 11, 2025. The United States hospital ship USNS Comfort anchors off the coast of St. George's, Grenada, during Continuing Promise 2025 on June 11, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rylin Paul/U.S. Navy What To Know The Comfort departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for a mission known as Continuing Promise 2025, aimed at providing patient care and technical expertise in community clinics across Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. The hospital ship arrived in St. George's, the capital of the Caribbean island of Grenada, on June 9, according to the U.S. Navy. In addition to providing medical care, American service members will renovate buildings and repair infrastructure damaged by natural disasters. The Comfort is one of two Mercy-class hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy, alongside USNS Mercy. The 63,000-ton ship—delivered to the Navy in 1987—is equipped with 1,000 patient beds, 11 general-purpose operating rooms and one interventional radiology suite. Meanwhile, the Silk Road Ark departed the coastal city of Sanya—on China's southern Hainan Island—for its second "medical outreach voyage" since entering service in 2024. "The mission focuses on meeting the medical needs of service members on islands," the Chinese military said in a press release. China controls a number of maritime features in the South China Sea, where its sovereignty claims overlap with those of several other countries. The 10,000-ton Silk Road Ark is smaller than the Comfort, with a capacity of 300 patient beds. The vessel—China's second 10,000-ton oceangoing hospital ship—is capable of hosting eight surgical operations simultaneously, according to China Daily. The Chinese hospital ship CNS Silk Road Ark departs from Sanya on China's southern Hainan Island for a medical mission in the South China Sea on June 16, 2025. The Chinese hospital ship CNS Silk Road Ark departs from Sanya on China's southern Hainan Island for a medical mission in the South China Sea on June 16, 2025. Chinese military What People Are Saying The U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command said in a press release on June 9: "[Continuing Promise 2025] marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard [USNS] Comfort. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations." The Chinese military said in a press release on Tuesday: "[CNS Silk Road Ark's] major tasks include medical rescue and evacuation of the wounded at sea, international humanitarian medical service, emergency medical rescue in major disasters, and foreign military medical exchanges and cooperation." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether China will expand its fleet of hospital ships as part of its naval modernization efforts, thereby increasing operational flexibility for deployments across different regions.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Most Republicans Enrolled in Medicaid 'Worried' About Funding Cuts—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While Republicans in Congress have been pushing for major Medicaid cuts in the new budget, many Medicaid enrollees are worried about what this means for their health coverage — including those who identify as Republican. A new poll from KFF revealed that 76 percent of Republicans enrolled in Medicaid are worried about potential funding cuts. The survey also shows that 17 percent of Republicans identify as Medicaid enrollees. This didn't come as a surprise to experts who spoke with Newsweek. "Many of the heavily Republican-controlled states are often the highest per capita recipients of government assistance," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. Why It Matters Republican lawmakers have advanced sweeping changes to Medicaid as part of their budget reconciliation package, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The bill, which passed the House in late May 2025, proposes to cut over $700 billion in federal Medicaid spending, threatening coverage for millions of Americans. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that more than 10 million people could lose Medicaid coverage if the proposal becomes law. Beds and medical equipment are seen inside the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort while docked at the Port of Miami, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida on June 3, 2025. Beds and medical equipment are seen inside the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort while docked at the Port of Miami, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida on June 3, 2025. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Potential Medicaid reductions under the new legislation target several key areas, including the federal match for Medicaid expansion, spending caps, new work requirements, and more frequent eligibility checks. While the GOP viewpoint has historically been pro-Medicaid reductions, cuts at this level could significantly impact the nearly 80 million Americans who rely on the program for health insurance, including a significant number of Republicans. In the new KFF report, 76 percent of Republicans enrolled in Medicaid said they were worried about potential funding cuts. Additionally, more than a quarter of Medicaid enrollees are Republican, including one in five who identify with MAGA. "As a government program, Medicaid provides benefits to millions of Americans in 'red' and 'blue' states," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "As such, it should come as no surprise a sizable number of Republicans either receive benefits from the program or know someone who does." The federal government currently pays 90 percent of Medicaid expansion costs, but proposed reductions would lower this rate, threatening financial stability for states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Changes could also introduce per-capita caps or block grants, limit the use of provider taxes to finance Medicaid, and roll back simplified enrollment rules implemented under President Biden. Together, these measures could force states to limit enrollment, reduce benefits, or impose new costs on enrollees. Republican leaders have tied these reductions to broader budget goals, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump. "Many of the heavily Republican-controlled states are often the highest per capita recipients of government assistance," Thompson told Newsweek. "That's not meant to be disingenuous—it simply shows where the power lies: with the wealthy who control the districts and seats in those regions. The truth is, people often vote for their party and don't believe these policies will ever impact them personally—until they do." House Republicans identified more than $880 billion in savings from Medicaid, with much of the debate focused on whether Medicaid should continue to support able-bodied adults without dependents, or remain narrowly focused on children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The bill would also restrict Medicaid funding for certain health care providers, such as Planned Parenthood, and prohibit federal matching funds for gender-affirming care for minors. Nationally, 54 percent of U.S. adults are worried that reductions in federal Medicaid spending would negatively impact their own or their family's ability to get and pay for health care, the KFF report found. "It's a wake-up call for anyone who thinks Medicaid is just a Democratic issue," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek. "Medicaid isn't red or blue. It's the safety net stretched under millions of American families, including a significant slice of the GOP base." What People Are Saying Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Over the last three election cycles, the Republican base has expanded far past the days of simply promoting tax cuts and has a large number of supporters who rely on programs like Medicaid for essential services. And while cuts to the program could occur, we've already seen blowback to any proposed reductions. That's more than likely because some Republican members of Congress know cuts could dramatically affect their reelection chances." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "There's a real disconnect between the political talking points and reality. Many Republican voters may not realize just how much their communities (especially rural ones) depend on Medicaid to keep hospitals open and doctors in town. The myth that Medicaid is for 'someone else' is crumbling fast." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "There will be a significant number of people kicked off the Medicaid program—either because they didn't submit their work requirements on time, were removed due to the rollback of Medicaid expansion, or simply no longer qualify." What Happens Next Ryan said if the cuts are enacted, rural hospitals will close, and working-class families will lose their health coverage. "The fallout will land squarely in the heart of Republican country," Ryan said. "You can't gut the safety net and expect your own voters to walk away unscathed." "Medicaid cuts are political dynamite. History shows voters punish politicians who take away health coverage. Just ask Missouri and Tennessee. If Republicans push too hard, they risk alienating their own base."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
U.S. Naval Hospital Ship Comfort deploys for Continuing Promise 2025 mission
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The USNS Comfort set sail from Naval Station Norfolk Friday morning on a three-month deployment as part of the Continuing Promise 2025 mission. The naval hospital ship is equipped with an initial 100 bed capacity that is scalable to 1000 beds if needed. It includes advanced medical facilities from x-ray and CAT scan units to dental and optometry suites and a blood bank. 'We have a full complement of medical services, both medical and surgical, as well as support services to cool to include laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and physical therapy,' said Capt. Stephan Arles, commanding officer of the USNS Comfort medical treatment facility. 'We have a tailored mission, with two operating rooms capable of completing 12 to 18 surgeries per day. we also have an expeditionary medical site off ship, capable of treating between 300 and 500 patients a day.' Continuing Promise 2025 includes mission stops in Grenada, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. 'Really excited to go down to the Caribbean and Central and South America in order to help some people down there,' said Capt. Ryan Kendall. 'We are working towards expanding our cooperation and integration with, with our regional partners in order to provide assistance in times of humanitarian crisis, disaster or regional conflict,' Arles said. As the ship departed from Naval Station Norfolk, family members of sailors gathered along the pier, giving their loved ones a proper send off as they deployed. 'So, it's his first big, long deployment, since having kids,' said Lindsay Moore, the wife of a sailor on the USNS Comfort. 'We met while I was getting out of the military, so I'm used to the deployment part, but it's definitely been interesting with them two [the kids].' 'It's bittersweet, but I feel inspired because I know he's out there doing good things and helping people that need that need attention,' said Lincoln Sama, the son of a sailor on the USNS Comfort. The Comfort is now headed to Miami, where it will later depart for Grenada, the first stop on the three-month mission. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
USNS Comfort to deploy for three-month humanitarian mission in Latin America
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk-based USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is set to begin a three-month deployment on Friday morning as part of the U.S. Navy's Continuing Promise 2025. The Mercy-class hospital ship will provide humanitarian and medical aid in mission visits to Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and the Dominion Republic. This marks the U.S. Navy's 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eight aboard the USNS Comfort. The medical units that will be on board for this mission will have various skillsets, including dental, family medicine, internal medicine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical repair, lab, radiology, X-ray, veterinary medicine and global health engagement. The USNS Comfort has one of the largest trauma facilities in the world and when activated, can transition to full operating status in five days. Full operating status includes the crew of civil service mariners and Navy medical personnel. The USNS Comfort has additionally provided relief after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Maria. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer
The United States and Panama have officially signed a new defense and security pact aimed at reinforcing control over the Panama Canal, a move that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims is critical to pushing back against China's growing grip in the region. In a press release posted Wednesday night on X, the Panama Canal Authority confirmed that Panama's Minister for Canal Affairs and Hegseth signed a joint declaration that reaffirms Panamanian sovereignty and outlines new military cooperation. The deal "reaffirms respect for, and the recognition of, Panamanian sovereignty over the interoceanic waterway," the Canal Authority stated. It also upholds both nations' commitment to the Neutrality Treaty and the legal framework that governs canal operations, including Panama's Constitution, the treaty itself, and the Canal's Organic Law.Hegseth Says Panama Agreed To Allow Us Warships To Travel 'First And Free' Through Canal But the declaration goes beyond words. It lays out plans for a cost-sharing model to cover services provided to U.S. warships and auxiliary vessels, with the goal of keeping it "cost-neutral." "Efforts will be made [to] develop a mechanism which will allow compensation for services provided to warships and auxiliary vessels, seeking a cost-neutral basis," the statement reads. "This mechanism will be evaluated jointly with the Ministry of Security of Panama." According to Hegseth, a broader framework is also in the works, one that would guarantee U.S. warships "first and free" passage through the Panama Canal. Read On The Fox News App Hegseth announced Wednesday that U.S. and Panamanian officials had already signed a memorandum of understanding, and that a final document is on the way to formally secure toll-free priority for American naval vessels. The Canal Authority, meanwhile, emphasized that this agreement is just the start. "The declaration constitutes a first step in establishing this model, which will be developed in later stages." Us, Panama 'Taking Back' Canal From 'China's Influence,' Says Hegseth While the U.S. builds up its military coordination, the Panama Canal Authority confirmed that collaboration already includes "engineering, security, and cybersecurity," key focus areas for both governments as they push back against foreign interference. The move comes just as the U.S. prepares to deploy the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship, to the region in a show of presence and partnership. Earlier this week, Hegseth visited U.S. troops, met with Panamanian officials, and toured the canal. He warned sharply that China's reach in the Western Hemisphere is already too big, and still growing. "Make no mistake, Beijing is investing and operating in this region for military advantage and unfair economic gain," Hegseth said. "They operate military facilities and ground stations that extend their reach into space. They exploit natural resources and land to fuel China's global military ambitions. China's factory fishing fleets are stealing food from our nations and from our people." Hegseth stressed that war is not the objective. "Together, we must prevent war by robustly and vigorously deterring China's threats in this hemisphere," he said. He also made clear that the U.S. is taking steps to counter Chinese-controlled infrastructure in Panama. "China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area," Hegseth said. "That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama. This makes Panama and the United States less secure, less prosperous and less sovereign. And as President Donald Trump has pointed out, that situation is not acceptable." Hegseth was blunt: "The United States will not allow China to threaten the canal's operation." He added, "To this end, the United States and Panama have done more in recent weeks to strengthen our defense and security cooperation than we have in decades." Despite the growing military and political coordination, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has publicly denied that China controls the canal. Hegseth did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for News' Morgan Philips contributed to this article source: Panama and US lock in new security pact for Canal as China tensions simmer
