U.S. warships en route to the Mediterranean, to assist humanitarian operation

The U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault warships with 400 marines are bound for the Mediterranean Sea to the shores of Libya, after orders from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the Examiner reports.

The USS Kearsarge and USS Ponce warships are expected to participate in humanitarian relief, assisting in evacuation of civilians from the violence-torn country.

Currently, the ships are passing through the Suez Canal from the Red Sea. The USS Kearsarge is reportedly carrying 42 helicopters on board.

Mr. Gates did not rule out other options, such as providing air cover for Libyan rebels.