President Trump unexpectedly said Saturday that he is sending the San Diego-based Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy to Greenland to “take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there.”
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social app, adding that the nearly 40-year-old vessel is “on the way!!!”.
The news appears to have caught the government of Denmark off guard. The country’s defense minister said that there is “no need for special health care efforts” in Greenland.
Greenland is part of the kingdom of Denmark and a major source of controversy. Trump indicated earlier this year he might takeover the autonomous territory, sparking deep anger from Denmark. Trump has since stepped back from a takeover.
The USNS Mercy is one of only two major hospital ships in use by the US Navy. It is a non-commissioned vessel that provided vital service during the Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and has provided humanitarian relief to countries around the world.