The USS George Washington arrived in the Philippines Thursday to bring much-needed help to typhoon-devastated eastern provinces, according to dpa. The aircraft carrier docked in Leyte Gulf. "One of the best capabilities the Strike Group brings is our 21 helicopters," said Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, commander of the George Washington Strike Group. "These helicopters represent a good deal of lift to move emergency supplies around," he added in a statement. Montgomery said the cargo ship USNS Charles Drew also transported water and food to Tacloban City in Leyte province and nearby Samar province.