The USS Carl Vinson, the aircraft carrier that was one of the first ships to arrive off Haiti coast to provide humanitarian support, was departing the scene, the US military said Monday.
The Carl Vinson arrived offshore January 15 carrying 19 helicopters to ferry supplies into Haiti and evacuate the injured and provide medical care. The carrier delivered more than 1.1 million pounds of food, water and other goods during its stay, dpa reported.
Ten of the ship's helicopters will remain in the vicinity to continue carrying supplies, in addition to the 40 US helicopters still flying missions, US Southern Command said.
The Carl Vinson broke off from a training mission to steam to Haiti. It will now continue on its voyage around South America to reach its home port in San Diego, California. A US destroyer and oceanographic survey ship will leave with the carrier.
Nineteen US Navy, Coast Guard and military sealift ships will remain off Haiti's shores to continue their role in the relief effort, Southern Command said.
US aircraft carrier departing Haiti
