US Navy battle group now racing to RP

WASHINGTON D.C. - The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group could be in Philippine waters in the next 24-48 hours to help scour for victims of Typhoon Frank and help in salvage operations for the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars.

President Bush offered the help of the USS Ronald Reagan, the newest of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, during his meeting with President Arroyo at the White House Tuesday morning. The President later called on US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon. The meeting lasted less than half an hour, but Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was left behind to discuss details of Bush’s offer of assistance, as well as other security and military matters.

Like all of America’s nuclear-powered carriers, the USS Ronald Reagan never travels alone. Her battle group is composed of the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville; the destroyers USS Decatur, Gridley and Howard; and the missile frigate USS Thach. Battle groups are also usually escorted by nuclear submarines. According to their Web site, the battle group entered the Pacific area of operations only two weeks ago.