The Mercy, a Navy hospital ship sailed from San Diego to Los Angeles to help free up local hospitals to deal with coronavirus cases, according to an article on the NPR website.
A former oil supertanker won't be admitting coronavirus patients. All those coming on board will first have to fill out coronavirus screening questionnaires and, if needed, have their temperatures taken.
Some 60 volunteer reservists who are medical professionals will staff the 44-year-old ship, which has 1,000 beds and a dozen fully equipped operating rooms.
The ship had initially been expected to sail for Seattle, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), decided Los Angeles would be its first destination.