SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was diverted to the northern coast of Japan today to provide aid to victims of a magnitude 8.9 earthquake that has more than killed 300 people.
The government of Japan has requested U.S. military assistance, said Cmdr. Greg Hicks of the 3rd Fleet in San Diego.
"Obviously, the Reagan has a huge amount of capability there from helicopter lift to medical," Hicks said.
The Reagan was cruising across the Pacific en-route to deployment in the western Pacific Ocean and waters of the Middle East after departing Coronado last month.
In San Diego Bay, ships were ordered to prepare for a possible small tsunami, which could require an adjustment of tie-up lines, Hicks said.
He said the USS Dubuque, a San Diego-based dock landing ship, was ordered to sea from Seal Beach, next to Long Beach in Los Angeles County.
