USS George Washington In Philippines To Support Relief Efforts

The USS George Washington, a nuclear-powered super carrier owned by the United States of America, has arrived in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon.

USS George Washington Arrives In The Philippines

The huge aircraft carrier, which carries 5,000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft, is in the country to support "Operation Damayan," the humanitarian efforts in response to Super Typhoon Haiyan, locally codenamed Yolanda, that ravaged many areas in the Visayas on Friday.

"If requested, we may provide some preventative medicine assistance as well as mental health assistance needs," said Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Boyer, George Washington's nurse.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Alexis Price, a previous fleet marine force (FMF) corpsman deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Indonesia, has participated in efforts similar to the Philippines.

"I deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2004 aboard the USS Harpers Ferry," said Price. "We were tasked with providing genuine comfort and care to those who were affected; we were able to help those in desperate need. We distributed water, meals ready to eat, minor first-aid, blankets, sheets, etc."

The George Washington medical department is capable of providing medical guidance to those on shore to prevent the spread of diseases; they can also provide some supplies and services such as surgeon and primary care.

"Within a span of two to three weeks, there will be an increased risk of contracting a disease," said Capt. Russell Hays, George Washington's senior medical officer. "Medical can provide guidance on how to prevent the contracting of diseases such as cholera and hepatitis. We must all remember that this is a team effort, from the squadrons, to medical to the galley, we all contribute to people surviving."

Super Typhoon Haiyan reached speeds up to 195 miles per hour (mph), gusts up to 235 mph and landfall waves of 50 feet. According to officials, the powerful cyclone impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines.