How many men were typically assigned to a medical section aboard ships?

A typical medical section aboard Navy ships is usually composed of 2 or 3 men. This size is adequate to provide the necessary medical support for the crew, allowing for a balance between the ability to manage medical needs and the practical constraints of space and resources on board.

Having 2 or 3 personnel ensures that there is enough coverage for various medical tasks, including routine healthcare, emergency care, and administrative responsibilities, while also allowing for flexibility in scheduling and shifts. This arrangement helps to ensure that sailors receive timely medical attention and that multiple areas of care can be addressed effectively.

This structure is based on historical norms that take into account the scale of operations and the expected number of personnel needing care in a maritime environment, where larger teams would be neither efficient nor feasible due to limited space and resources.