900 more US Marines on 2 amphibious ships now in PH

From InterAksyon (Nov 22): 900 more US Marines on 2 amphibious ships now in PH



A US chopper drops off supplies for disaster victims in Tacloban. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Nine hundred more US Marines on board two amphibious ships arrived in the country to help in the relief efforts for the typhoon victims in the Visayas, Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga said on Friday.

Luga said the troops are on board the USS Ashland (LSD-48) and USS Germantown (LSD-42). They came  from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan.

“Having amphibious ships here, along with the 31st MEU, brings more logistical capability and capacity to augment our on-going relief operations in Visayas,” Luga explained.

The two ships replaced the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which had been operating in the area since November 14. The carrier played an important role in air transport, when most airports were non-operational in devastated areas in Eastern Visayas. The Seahawks from the carrier sent life-saving food and water to many remote villages and airlifted the injured. The amphibious ships, meanwhile, have a more efficient ship-to-shore movement ability and are deemed suitable for this stage of the relief operations.

“We are very thankful to the United States Armed Forces for sending one of their aircraft carriers to the Philippines and immediately supporting our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda,” Luga said.

The Ashland and the Germantown carry landing craft needed for moving large amounts of cargo and equipment ashore; the 31st MEU brings heavy equipment for moving debris.

“In addition to the enhanced capabilities of the Ashland and Germantown the Japanese Navy will be surveying the Eastern Coast of Samar and identifying additional impacted areas for relief support," according to US Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, JTF-505 commander.

“These are more suitable assets, and combined with the naval vessels from Japan, Australia, and other nations, we continue to be postured to help wherever the Philippine Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines needs us and we will remain here until our unique capabilities are no longer necessary,” he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75387/900-more-us-marines-on-2-amphibious-ships-now-in-ph