Manila – The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington and several other U.S. Navy ships to the country to render immediate assistance for the victims of Super typhoon Yolanda(international codename: Haiyan) in the Eastern Visayas Region.
In the statement released by the United States Embassy in Manila, United States (U.S.) Defense secretary Chuck Hagel directed the vessels “to make best speed” to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster support.
USS George Washington, which carries 5,000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft, is currently in Hong Kong for a port call and has been recalled early from shore leave and expected to arrive within the next 48 to 72 hours.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is accompanied by cruisers USS Antietam, USS Cowpens and destroyer USS Mustin.
Also, supply ship USNS Charles Drew already is underway and will rendezvous with the group en route to the archipelago as well as USS Lassen.
“These ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies and medical care, as needed, to support ongoing efforts led by the Philippines’ government and military,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the British Government has also sent a warship and military transport vehicle to assist in the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Leyte and Samar.
In the statement posted by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Ministry of Defense in their website, Prime Minister David Cameron has dispatched HMS Daring of the Royal Navy to provide humanitarian assistance, helicopter lift from one on-board Lynx and engineering and first-aid expertise.
The destroyer which is already underway from Singapore also carries equipment to make drinking water from seawater.
The Royal Air Froce (RAF) meanwhile will send at least one Boeing C-10 aircraft to airlift the much needed relief items to affected residents in the Eastern Visayas Region.
Great Britain has allotted a total of £10 million worth of humanitarian aid for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.
