Approximately ninety US Marines and Sailors arrived at Villamor AB in the Philippines on 10 November 2013 to provide humanitarian assistance and support in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the islands on 8 November. US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directed US Pacific Command to provide manpower and assets after the storm struck on 8 November. Members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade deployed from MCAS Futenma, Japan, with two KC-130Js assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152). A forward command element and humanitarian assistance survey team is also deploying to the Philippines to provide an assessment of help required. According to the Philippine government, Typhoon Haiyan affected more than 4.2 million people in thirty-six provinces.
