The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), was directed to proceed to the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 13 and take station off the Texas coast, prepared to render support to civil authorities in the wake of Hurricane Ike as needed.
Three ships, Nassau, USS Ponce (LPD 15), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.
Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations, and was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast before receiving orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.
The amphibious transport dock Ponce will get underway Sept. 14. The amphibious assault ship Bataan has been ordered to remain in a prepared-to-deploy status, ready to get underway within 24 hours, if needed.
Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.