Navy Deploys 4 Ships Ahead of Hurricane Irma Strike on US

The Navy has four warships on standby ready to help in Florida and surrounding states ahead of Hurricane Irma's expected landfall this weekend.

The Navy Times reports that the powerful storm has forced the Navy to double the number of ships it deployed.

On Wednesday, it was reported that two Virginia-based ships — the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge and the landing ship Oak Hill — plus the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit were deployed to the area. 

Thursday's update means the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima and the landing platform dock New York, both based in Mayport, Florida, also are on Irma duty. More than 300 additional troops from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing are joining them.

Officials have deployed the ships, troops, and crews to help with rescue and relief efforts.

Irma is a Category 5 storm and has cut a path of destruction across the Caribbean. Experts believe it will make a direct hit on the Miami area sometime early Sunday morning. From there, it will likely turn northeast and head up the coast.

Irma is the strongest hurricane to ever come out of the Atlantic Ocean.

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