UPDATE: Amphib NY departs for GC

MAYPORT, Fla. - The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York will leave their homeport on the northeast coast of Florida to support the Gulf Coast region ahead of Nate, a potential hurricane by U.S. landfall. U.S. Fleet Forces Command boss, Adm. Phil Davidson, ordered the amphibs, with elements from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to get underway from Mayport on Oct 7. Both ships are directed to be in position to support the Gulf Coast in the event assistance is requested. The Navy/Marine team has capabilities to be effective in disaster relief efforts. The combined aircraft on the two ships include three Marine CH-53E Marine Heavy Lift Helicopters, six Navy MH-60S, and four MH-60R Medium Lift Helicopters. The ships are capable of providing medical support, maritime civil affairs, maritime security, expeditionary logistic support, and diverse skills including assessment and security. (Source: U.S. Fleet Forces Command 10/06/17) Gulf Coast Note: USS Iwo Jima was built at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.; USS New York was built at a former Northrop shipyard in New Orleans. UPDATE: USS Iwo Jima’s departure from NAVSTA Mayport has been delayed due to a mechanical issue with the ship’s propulsion system. USS New York will still leave its homeport to support the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricane Nate. UPDATE 2: USS New York (LPD 21), along with components of Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, and HSM 46 departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla. on Oct. 7 to support the Gulf Coast region if assistance is requested in the wake of Hurricane Nate.