Mercy MTF boss served at NASWF

Navy Captain (Dr.) John Rotruck is commanding officer of the Medical Treatment Facility aboard the Navy’s hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) that is currently in the Port of Los Angeles assisting with the coronavirus pandemic. He was commissioned in the Navy Medical Corps in 1996 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology, MBA, and Medical Degree all from the University of Miami. After completing Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer training, he went to NAS Whiting Field, Fla., as Flight Surgeon for Helicopter Training Squadron (HT 8) EIGHT and later as Senior Flight Surgeon for Training Air Wing (CTW 5) FIVE at NASWF. (Source: Navy Live Blog/Comfort, Mercy deployment website 04/20) https://www.navy.mil/strategic/USNS_ComfortandMercyBios.pdf UPDATE: DoD is considering whether to relocate at least one of the two Navy hospital ships deployed to support the COVID-19 pandemic response as they work with FEMA and HHS to determine the next potential coronavirus hot spots. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Thomas McCaffery said April 10 that a decision has not been made on the ships' movement(s), but their locations are under review. "I don't want to get out in front and say that we have a decision for what's next for Comfort and Mercy. That is all going to be reviewed and considered as part of the all-of-nation effort" and were the next hot spot priorities and "our military medical capabilities," McCaffery said. (Source: Military.com 04/10/20)