Kearsarge along with Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will depart Naval Station Norfolk on Thursday, Aug. 31. Oak Hill will depart from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
These ships are capable of providing medical support, maritime civil affairs, maritime security, expeditionary logistic support, medium and heavy lift air support, and bring a diverse capability including assessment and security.
State and local agencies are in the lead for this response effort. We recognize recovery from this catastrophic disaster will be a long-term effort. We are leaning forward to fully support FEMA and Texas with DoD assistance as requested.
Media interested in covering the ship's departure should contact USFF Public Affairs at 757-836-2428 or brian.wierzbicki@navy.mil, no later than 9:00 a.m., Thursday, August 31 to arrange for an escort. Media should be prepared to meet at the Norfolk Naval Station Tours and Information Office, located on Hampton Boulevard, no later than 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, to be escorted to the pier.