Navy Help On The Way

The Navy is sending at least two ships from the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group to help with Philippines mudslide relief. The ships, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) had apparently just pulled into Subic Bay in preparation for the annual "Balikatan" exercise with the Philippine military, and pulled back out the same day. Both 'phibs have lots of helicopters that should prove invaluable in relief efforts.

Update 2156 20 Feb: The two ships mentioned, along with USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) are on station.