Unanticipated deployment of medical personnel from a fixed medical facility to a hospital ship creates significant psychological anxiety. Analysis of the stressors which the August 1990 deployment of the USNS Comfort in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm precipitated in its crew are detailed and coping strategies are discussed. Recommendations to assist personnel in adapting to future deployments of this type are made. This unique event demonstrates the continued importance of applying the principles of social psychology to operational military events preventively.