New post (RESCUE MISSION

HMS Illustrious is heading to the Philippines.) has been published on http://www.navyandmarinenews.jcandmei.com/
Illustrious sets sail for Philippines

RESCUE MISSION … HMS Illustrious is heading to the Philippines.

Published on the15November

2013

11:00

 
THE Tyne-built Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious has been sent to the Philippines to help with the relief effort, after the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
 
The vessel, which was taking part in exercises in the Gulf, will arrive in the disaster zone to support the humanitarian operation by November 25, replacing HMS Daring, which has already been deployed to the Philippines.
A charity appeal to help the 11.5million people affected by the disaster has raised £23m in just two days and the Government has now given more than £20million in aid.
HMS Illustrious, the Royal Navy’s only operational aircraft carrier, has a 900-strong crew and seven helicopters to provide assistance, as well as the ability to create fresh water, vital to combat the spread of disease.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced the deployment of HMS Illustrious during a visit to India, said: “What happened in the Philippines is an absolute tragedy. You can see the devastation, the suffering, and it’s quite clear that we are going to need long-term help for those people.
“The British Government has already pledged over £20m, which makes us one of the most generous donors anywhere in the world.
“But it’s practical action that’s needed as well. That’s why I sent HMS Daring to go and help in the Philippines and I can announce today that once Daring has started its work, we are actually going to be able to replace in time HMS Daring with HMS Illustrious, which is, of course, a carrier with helicopters – seven times as many helicopters as on HMS Daring and with the key ability to process fresh water, so we will be giving further assistance in the best way we can.”

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