Marines

Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, board CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters to fly from the USS Essex (LHD 2) to storm-ravaged areas of the northern Philippines to assist the government with an initial survey of damage and assessment of local populace needs, Oct. 21. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON-11 are joining with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development to survey villages that have been isolated since Super Typhoon Juan struck. The ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, the USS Essex, USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) have been positioned close to Northern Luzon to be available for assistance as needed.