National U.S. Hospital Ship Activates to Support Typhoon Relief Mission by Gary Kopycinski on November 14, 2013 Gary Kopycinski Author More in National: Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ban Slavery in Wisconsin February 24, 2026 Martha Washington’s Enslaved Maid Ona Judge Made a Daring Escape to Freedom – but the National Park Service Has Erased Her Story From Philadelphia Exhibit February 14, 2026 PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii–(ENEWSPF)–November 14, 2013 – The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet yesterday directed the activation of USNS Mercy to prepare the hospital ship for possible deployment to the Philippines.