U.S. carrier starts Philippine storm relief...

[B_J 2,752]

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The nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier and accompanying ships arrived off wind-swept eastern Samar province, carrying 5,000 crew and more than 80 aircraft, after what strike force commander Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery called a "high-speed transit" from Hong Kong.

It is moored near where U.S. General Douglas MacArthur's force of 174,000 men landed on October 20, 1944, in one of the biggest allied victories of World War Two.

"Operation Damayan" started with the George Washington and two cruisers taking up position off Samar to assess damage and provide logistical and emergency support such as fresh water.

Ships carried 11 pallets ashore - eight containing 1,920 gallons of water and three containing food - at Tacloban airfield. Several pallets of water were taken to Guiuan, home to home to 45,000 people, which was also badly hit by the storm.

The carrier moved some fixed-wing aircraft ashore to make more room for the helicopters on the flight deck.

"One of the best capabilities the strike group brings is our 21 helicopters," Montgomery said in a statement. "These helicopters represent a good deal of lift to move emergency supplies around."

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http://ph.news.yahoo.com/aquino-under-pressure-over-typhoon-aid-u-carrier-042935855.html

[Hank_ 9,173]

If the U.S. wants to send help a nuclear powered carrier is the ticket for sure. It has the capability of powering a town on shore, along with bringing a hospital and much more!

[Bri & Mar 12]

Four acres of soverign US territory parked just off shore in Leyte Gulf. After serving for four years on an aircraft carrier(USS America) and visiting Tacloban city a year and a half ago I feel very excited to know that the small city called USS George Washington is fully commited to helping my wife's home town. I only wish I was still active duty and able to serve on such a necessary and important mission. God Bless all affected by this horrific typhoon as well as everyone who is helping restore the human spirit that is WARAY!

I Tacloban