The U.S. military today ordered a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and three amphibious ships, including one that can carry up to 2,000 Marines, to set sail for Haiti, Reuters quoted Pentagon officials as saying. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson was already en route and should reach Haiti on Friday to help respond to the devastating earthquake, the officials said. The U.S. Second Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia has also ordered three amphibious ships to set sail for Haitian waters as soon as possible. The amphibious group includes the 844-foot-long USS Bataan, which can carry up to 2,000 Marines with helicopters, as well as two smaller vessels, officials said.
