The Mercy is 'uniquely capable' of supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs and can rapidly respond to a range of situations at short notice, said an announcement.

It said the mission reflects longstanding ties between the United States and Bangladesh, as well as continued US commitment to work together to address mutual problems and concerns.

"The Mercy medical team, made up of doctors from the US, Indian and Canadian military, and members of non-governmental organisations, will work closely together with Bangladeshi medical personnel to bring medical care to the people of Bangladesh," said Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

"The new level of cooperation among military medicine and NGOs, and the extensive medical capability of Mercy, bring much to Bangladesh and the region. We are eager to join with the medical professionals of Bangladesh to do as much as we can during the Mercy visit."

A release of the US public affairs said the Mercy's mission is being carried out in conjunction with non-governmental organisations, and in close coordination and partnership with local medical care professionals.

The crew on board Mercy is also partnering with Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for professional exchanges such as OBGYN, general surgery and paediatric services, biomedical equipment repair, and emergency OB, midwifery, and basic wound-and burn-care education and training.

Mercy will be working with CMCH as the host-nation patient- screening and referral site.

The US Navy Show Band is also deployed aboard the ship, and will be performing in select locations in Chittagong and Dhaka.

Last year, Mercy was deployed in response to the December 2004 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. That deployment resulted in the treatment of thousands of patients in Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.