English: Jolo, Philippines (June 07, 2005) - Air Force Col. Jeffrey Swartz, a dentist, 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. 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 several thousand patients in one week. The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Five (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 non-governmental 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)