US Navy Readies 3 Big Deck Ships to Aid in Ike Disaster Response

In this 2008 file photo, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson.)

Hurricane Watch:

NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 13, 2008 -- Three ships, USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Ponce (LPD 15), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.

Nassau, which was already at sea conducting routine operations, has been directed south to operate off the Florida coast. Since Hurricane Ike made landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, Nassau is positioned to provide assistance to civilian authorities if needed.

Bataan and Ponce have been ordered to be ready to go to sea as early as Sunday afternoon.

Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.

(Story from a Second Fleet Public Affairs news release.)

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