200324-N-MZ158-0013, NORFOLK, Va. (March 24, 2020)

200324-N-MZ158-0013, NORFOLK, Va. (March 24, 2020) Logistics Support Representatives (LSRs) Keith Durham (foreground) and Alaric Best from NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk observe food stores being unloaded from a truck to be loaded onboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). LSRs serve as an extension of the afloat supply department of today, positioned to shift the workload from the afloat customer to shore-based resources. Comfort is preparing to deploy in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Steve Craddock)