USA sends aircraft carrier and destroyers to help relief operations in Visayas, Philippines
United States of America is sending one of its most advanced aircraft carriers and other warships to accelerate the relief operations in central Philippines, the Reuters news reports.
The Pentagon made a confirmation regarding the deployment of the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Philippines. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that its primary purpose is to transport survivors to hospitals in unaffected parts of the country. On board the USS George Washington (CVN-73) aircraft carrier are some 5,000 sailors. USS GW air wing division is composed of more than 80 aircraft, which can be used to "provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care in support of the ongoing relief efforts, if needed," said Pentagon spokesman George Little. The carrier's water distilling plants can also produce 400,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of potable water per day. (Wikipedia)
USS George Washington is in Hongkong but according to news reports, it is expected to arrive in 48 to 72 hours. Escorting the aircraft carrier are guided missile cruisers and destroyers.
Meanwhile, Great Britain is also sending a navy warship with equipment to make drinking water from seawater and a military transport aircraft, Prime Minister David Cameron said.-ABS-CBN news