NORFOLK, Va. - Three Norfolk-based amphibious ships will get underway Oct. 22, headed for the south Florida region in the event assistance is needed if Hurricane Wilma strikes land there.

USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Trenton (LPD 14) and USS Nashville (LPD 13), all homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, are making preparations to load humanitarian relief supplies.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is making prudent preparations for Hurricane Wilma. When requested by the primary federal agency and approved by the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), DoD may provide unique assets to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

The United States military has, historically, deployed its forces when and where required to provide humanitarian assistance to assist state and local officials cope with natural and man-made emergencies.