Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The United States has ordered an aircraft carrier to the sail to the Philippines to provide assistance in the wake of the devastating typhoon that leveled part of the country with thousands feared dead.
A Pentagon state says Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other U.S. Navy ships "to make best speed for the Republic of the Philippines."
The aircraft carrier, which carries 5,000 Sailors and more than 80 aircraft, was in Hong Kong for a port visit. It is expected to reach the Philippines in about two days.
The United States said Monday that it is fully committed to helping the Philippines recover from one of the most powerful typhoons on record, and is providing $20 million in immediate aid.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
