re: #21 SteveC

The problem is, when not in use they almost deactivate Comfort. It will take 5 days to staff and stock her, then sailing time from Baltimore… a week, at the earliest.

Nevertheless, the Carl Vinson has at least some basic medical facilities on board, as well as advanced search and rescue capability (most aircraft carriers are so trained and equipped). I’d imagine the Navy can hold their own until the big guns arrive.