WASHINGTON (AP) — A Navy official says the U.S. has decided to send two amphibious warships to the Philippines to help with disaster relief.

The official says the USS Germantown and USS Ashland will get underway soon from Sasebo, Japan, where they are deployed. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, so requested anonymity.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said the department is working to send whatever is needed to help the Philippines, which was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

Officials are struggling to get food, water, shelter and medical equipment to the more than 11 million people estimated to be affected by the storm. The aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which is carrying helicopters and equipment to provide fresh water, is also heading to the Philippines.

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