English: Tawi Tawi, Philippines (June 14, 2006) - The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) Hospital Ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is anchored off of the coast of Tawi Tawi, while providing a multitude of medical and dental care for the people who live in this region of the South Philippines. The medical crew aboard Mercy will provide general and ophthalmology surgery, basic medical evaluation and treatment, preventive medicine treatment, dental screenings and treatment, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, public health training and veterinary services as requested by the host nations. 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, which have significant medical capabilities. Mercy is on a five-month deployment to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Edward G. Martens (RELEASED)