File:US Navy 060607-N-2832L-042 Air Force Col. Jeffrey Swartz, a dentist from Smithtown N.Y., pulls teeth from patients aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).jpg

Jolo, Philippines (June 7, 2006) - Air Force Col. Jeffrey Swartz, a dentist from Smithtown N.Y., pulls teeth from patients aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Distributing medication, pulling teeth and performing general surgeries aboard Mercy were just a few the humanitarian aid projects performed June 7. During the five-month humanitarian aid mission to host nations in the Pacific Islands and South and Southeast Asia, Mercy will be working in a joint environment. Mercy has already visited Zamboanga, Philippines where its crew had treated thousands of patients in one week. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 is attached to Mercy and will provide medical evacuation for patients as well as a mode of transportation for medical personnel to reach the shore. Mercy is uniquely capable of supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs and is configured with special medical equipment and a robust multi-specialized medical team who can provide 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 nongovernmental organizations, foreign militaries and other branches of U.S. military that have significant medical capabilities. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice Mike Leporati (RELEASED)