US Navy Finishes Disaster Relief Mission in Saipan

Federal and local officials announced that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) completed its disaster relief mission in Saipan.

The Marines have been providing water and conducting debris clearance on Saipan since Aug. 9 following Typhoon Soudelor.

The 31st MEU produced and distributed more than 300,000 gallons of water combined at five sites and more than 70,000 meals. Marines and Ashland Sailors also helped clear debris at local schools earlier last week. On Saturday evening at the Garapan Fishing Base, they were still filling water jugs as the Marines were preparing to move back aboard Ashland.

The team was part of a larger federal response that included the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, elements of which will remain on Saipan for the longer recovery effort.

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Image: US Navy