More than 20 countries have sent military assistance to Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake on 12 January that destroyed the capital, Port au Prince. Part of this was a naval response on an unprecedented scale.

The United States alone sent 30 vessels to assist with rescue and reconstruction operations. They included the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which was hastily re-roled as a helicopter platform, embarking 19 helicopters along with thousands of tonnes of emergency supplies.

With the damaged port largely inaccessible, landing craft and LCAC hovercraft proved invaluable in delivering tonnes of aid supplies ashore.

The US Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and the US Maritime Administration were also involved with the latter, providing half a dozen vessels from the Ready Reserve Force.

The UK despatched RFA Largs Bay, which embarked on a three-week mission to help the relief efforts in early February.

The French mobilised the landing ship FS Siroco, while Canada sent the frigates Athabaskan and Halifax.

Supplied by: Gary Davies  http://www.maritimephotographic.co.uk