United States is doing best to support victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines. At this time the George Washington Strike Group (GWSG) with 5,000 sailors abroad has arrived and will take place close to coastline east of Samar ready to take part in the relief efforts for the victims.

After sixty-nine years since the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the US military ships are coming back again in the country not for combat but for humanitarian reason. Now, the US military are ready to join and participate to the “Operation Damayan” in the country.

The US Navy team is made up of the following ships:

• USS George Washington

• Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Antietam (CG 54)

• Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Mustin (DDG 89)

• Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10)

• Pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62)

• Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)

“In order to start the operation the team should assess the actual situation and provide logistical and emergency assistance that includes medical and water supplies,” explained the group commander Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery.

To facilitate the operation, the GWSG will be using their 21 helicopters to transport emergency supplies within the disaster zone.