U.S. Navy Sends Three Warships in Response to Hurricane Irene

A Navy spokesman for the USS Wasp reports that the U.S. Navy is sending three amphibious warships to the northern East Coast in case they are to be called upon to assist in aid efforts for the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irene.

The Wasp, along with the USS Oak Hill and the USS New York are prepared and capable to provide helicopters and floating landing craft for diverse humanitarian responses, including search and rescue, emergency communication, medical support, debris clearance, and even air traffic control.

Lt. Cmdr. Jim Krohne of the Wasp stated the three vessels are part of a larger unit called the Amphibious Task Force 26 and are expected to have arrived off the Northeast coast on Monday, with ability to start flying in aid as the ships get within 120 miles from the serviced areas.

PHOTO CAPTION: Irene over New England as seen from GOES 13 East satellite Aug 28 2011

While no official orders have been issued to the Navy, the mission has been declared out of preparedness sake towards the relief efforts. Rear Adm. Kevin Scott reported to CNN that this response is a result from lessons learned over the past few years with Katrina and Rita, stating that it requires all the resources the nation has, and the military has such a great capability to provide relief.

Protecting the expensive warships from the hurricane, however, was first part of this seemingly two-part mission ending in humanitarian work. Thirty-eight ships in the Norfolk Naval base had to be moved out of harm’s way, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Reiswig said, stating that ships are safer at sea rather than at port during heavy weather conditions.

Adm. Scott concluded that they are very prepared to respond to any needs on the East Coast and that the sailors are ready and focused to help their home country.