Hospital ships are operated by which command?

Hospital ships are operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC). This command is responsible for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all branches of the military, ensuring that medical treatment facilities can be deployed in support of humanitarian missions and combat operations. The MSC’s focus on maritime logistics and support makes it the appropriate authority for managing hospital ships, which serve as floating medical facilities capable of delivering emergency medical care to deployed forces and disaster-stricken populations.

In contrast, the United States Coast Guard, Navy Fleet Command, and Army National Guard do not have the primary responsibility for operating hospital ships. The Coast Guard is focused on maritime safety and security, while Navy Fleet Command oversees operational operations of naval fleets. The Army National Guard primarily focuses on land operations and does not operate naval assets like hospital ships.