US Navy Deploying 2 Ships to Gulf Coast

The US Navy is sending two amphibious ships, Iwo Jima and New York, to the Gulf Coast region to provide any support needed amid Tropical Storm Nate, the US Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs Office said in a press release on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The Navy ships being deployed to the Gulf Coast are capable of providing medical support, expeditionary logistic support, medium and heavy lift air support, the release said. In early September, both ships provided immediate assistance following Hurricane Irma.

"Adm. Phil Davidson has ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), with elements from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to get underway from their homeport in Mayport Oct. 7," the release said. "Both ships are directed to be in a position to support the gulf coast region in the event assistance is needed following Tropical Storm Nate."

Tropical Storm Nate is quickly intensifying and may potentially make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, Louisiana Governor John Edwards said during a press conference on Thursday. Although the storm is not expected to cause any devastating damage, it should not be taken lightly, he added.

To support these capabilities, the combined aircraft on the two ships are three US Marine Corps CH-53E Marine Heavy Lift Helicopters, six Navy MH-60S ship-launched helicopters and four MH-60R Medium Lift Helicopters.