Peacetime surgery in the aircraft carrier battle group.

A retrospective study of surgery and anesthesia performed aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers covering the period July 1, 1987 to June 30, 1988 was conducted. Eight of 14 carriers provided data for this report. The variety of surgical cases in this unique population is outlined to provide epidemiology for education and planning of fleet surgical resources. The optimum deployment time during which a surgeon may provide maximum service to the crew and minimize loss of proficiency is formulated.