USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) is a seagoing Medical Treatment Facility, not a shore-based MTF. It is a Level III facility capable of providing resuscitation and stabilization care; initial wound and basic surgery; and postoperative treatment.
PRIMARY MISSION: To provide rapid, flexible, and mobile acute health service support to Marine Corps, Army and Air Force units deployed ashore, and naval amphibious task and battle forces afloat.
SECONDARY MISSION: To provide mobile surgical hospital service and acute medical care in disaster or humanitarian relief.
Regarding the USNS Comfort, I’m guessing that it will be send to where the casualties are the worst. We need to remember that Katrina hit the city of New Orleans head on where as Irma went the entire length of the state of Florida. Thus it will probably take a day or two to know where the ship and its medical teams are needed the most.
I’m basing this on my years in the military and needing to do operational planning. Of course I’m hoping that it was ready to sail as of last weekend.