Launch of the USNS Portsmouth: Navy Unveils Third Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS 3)

PORTSMOUTH – The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has announced the naming of the future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship as USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3) during a ceremony at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on January 8.

The decision pays tribute to the Navy personnel and the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, recognizing the dedication and service of medical staff at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. “As Secretary of the Navy, I remain committed to the readiness of our Sailors and Marines,” Del Toro stated. “I am proud to honor the city of Portsmouth by naming the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3).”

The naming tradition continues, following previous EMS vessels named after significant military hospitals, such as USNS Bethesda and USNS Balboa. Portsmouth will be the fifth ship to bear the name, with predecessors ranging from a full-rigged ship in 1798 to a nuclear-powered submarine decommissioned in 2005.

According to Rear Adm. Darin Via, the ship signifies both Naval advancement and historical continuity. It is expected to enhance the Navy’s medical capabilities, crucial for various operations, trauma management, and humanitarian missions. “Together, these ships will deliver agile and responsive medical care,” Via highlighted.

Portsmouth’s mayor, Shannon Glover, emphasized the honor associated with the naming. “USNS Portsmouth is a testament to the resilience and service that define our community,” he stated, reflecting on the contributions of the medical professionals at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, situated on the Elizabeth River, provides critical healthcare services in the Hampton Roads area and represents a cornerstone of military medical training and support. It’s the first and oldest continuously operating hospital within the Navy, reinforcing its historical significance.

The city hosts another key Navy installation, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, further embedding Portsmouth’s importance within naval operations. Behind each ship named, a sponsor is chosen to uphold the ship’s values. Mrs. Terri Ann Via, spouse of Rear Adm. Via, has been selected for USNS Portsmouth.

Entailing more than symbolic naming, the Bethesda-class ships are designed to optimize hospital-level medical care with advanced features, including a flight deck for helicopters and modern medical facilities capable of performing a wide range of healthcare services. Their primary mission is to provide rapid medical response, reaching speeds up to 30 knots, far surpassing earlier models like USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort.

With over 44,000 professionals, Navy Medicine remains integral in supporting the warfighter, underlining the expeditionary nature of USNS Portsmouth and her sister ships.