U.S. military to provide humanitarian support in Philippines

Yesterday, a powerful typhoon hit the Philippines, leaving behind much death and destruction.

Today, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced that Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support federal humanitarian relief operations in the Philippines.

According to the DoD, "The initial focus includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), medium-heavy helicopter lift support, airborne maritime SAR, fixed-wing lift support, and logistics enablers."

Further, said the DoD, "In coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. ambassador in Manila, the Department of Defense will continue to monitor the effects of Typhoon Haiyan and stands ready to help our ally recover from the storm."

It's nice to see the U.S. military being used for constructive - rather than destructive - purposes.