Norfolk-based ships tapped for hurricane relief

USS Kearsarge, USS Arlington to be available for help if needed

A pair of Navy ships from Norfolk and Marines from North Carolina are preparing to help with disaster relief efforts if needed in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

The Navy routinely provides humanitarian assistance to civil authorities after natural disasters around the world by delivering food, water and other supplies, as well as providing search and rescue capabilities.

U.S. Northern Command said the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and amphibious transport dock USS Arlington have been made available to assist civilian authorities if they request it. Both ships are based at Naval Station Norfolk, which sent out more than two dozen ships to sea earlier this week to avoid damage from the storm.

U.S. Northern Command said elements from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., would be embarked aboard the ships.

The Kearsarge resembles a small aircraft carrier and can carry up to 1,600 Marines. It participated in disaster relief efforts last year in Puerto Rico.

The Arlington is a smaller ship that is designed to transport and land Marines, their equipment and supplies by landing craft, helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft. It can carry a landing force of 650 Marines.

Coast Guard aircraft based at Air Station Elizabeth City in North Carolina also are prepared to provide search-and-rescue missions in the wake of the storm. Vergakis can be reached by phone at 757-222-5846.