NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 8 — The U.S. issued the following story:
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) to get underway Sept. 8, to be in position to provide humanitarian relief in support of federal, state and local authorities if requested.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) is underway conducting local operations and has been ordered to join the group.
Iwo Jima and New York departed Mayport, Florida, Sept. 5 and conducted an onload in Norfolk, Virginia, of more than 300 and Sailors with the 26th Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Aircraft Wing, and II Expeditionary Force.
The combined aircraft on all four ships are three CH-53E Heavy Lift Helicopters, 10 MH-60S and 14 MH-60R Medium Lift Helicopters.
These ships are capable of providing medical support, maritime civil affairs, maritime security, expeditionary logistic support, medium and heavy lift air support, and bring a diverse capability including assessment and security.
The top priority of the federal government, as we work together to support civil authorities, is to minimize suffering and protecting the lives and safety of those affected by Hurricane Irma.
For more information about U.S. Fleet Forces Command, please visit www.public.navy.mil/usff
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