US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other American ships to head to the typhoon-stricken Philippines.
The carrier, which has 5000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft aboard, is currently in Hong Kong for a port visit. The crew is being recalled early from shore leave and the ship is expected to be underway later this evening, the Pentagon said in a statement.
"In company with the carrier will be the cruisers USS Antietam and USS Cowpens and the destroyer USS Mustin. The supply ship USNS Charles Drew is already underway and will rendezvous with the group as they get closer," it said, noting the ships should be on station within 48-72 hours.
The USS Lassen, also a destroyer, is already on its way to the region.
On board the USS George Washington are sailors and "aircraft designed to perform various functions including disaster relief," including the Sea Combat Squadron 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter; and the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77.
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"As needed, these ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care in support of the ongoing efforts led by the government and military of the Republic of the Philippines," the Pentagon said.
The US said earlier it was providing $US20 million ($A21.3 million) in humanitarian aid as well as additional troops to help out in the Philippines after the devastating hit of Typhoon Haiyan.
The US Marine Corps also said that four MV-22B Ospreys - aircraft that can operate in difficult environments - and three KC-130J Hercules planes are heading to the disaster zones from Japan.
On board are about 90 marines and sailors tasked with helping a humanitarian assistance survey team of around 90 US soldiers already on the ground in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed thousands of people when it flattened entire towns just days ago.
The Defense Department is continuing to work closely with the Philippines government to determine what, if any, additional assets may be required, the Pentagon said.
