Pentagon orders more Marines to Haiti, diverts ships; 16,000 troops expected by week’s end

Pentagon orders 2,000 more Marines to Haiti

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is ordering another 2,000 Marines to Haiti, diverting troops that were on their way to the Persian Gulf and Africa region.

Navy officials announced Wednesday that the three-ship USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group left Norfolk, Virginia Monday for its regular deployment but has been told to go Haiti instead for the earthquake relief effort.

The group is picking up Marines today in North Carolina and will include 2,000 sailors and 2,000 Marines when it gets under way for Haiti, perhaps as early as Thursday.

The first group of some 2,000 Marines already off Haiti’s shore went on land for the first time Tuesday to help deliver aid. A Pentagon official says there are some 11,500 U.S. military personal in Haiti or offshore and 16,000 are expected by week’s end.