Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit continue to assist local and federal agencies in Saipan with typhoon relief efforts.

Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU, along with the USS Ashland (LSD 48), have been working to distribute relief supplies in Saipan since they arrived Aug. 7.

Four MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Titlrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, have also been staged in nearby Guam. They have been providing aerial lift support as part of relief efforts.

To date, the 31st MEU has delivered more than 16,600 gallons of water and 47,000 individual meals provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to five distribution sites across the island. The Marines have distributed an additional 98,000 gallons of potable water to the people of Saipan, 68,000 gallons of which were purified utilizing a Light Water Purification System and a Tactical Water Purification System. Marines and sailors have also started to clear debris from Marianas High School.

The 31st MEU was conducting regularly scheduled training in the Asia-Pacific region when they were redirected to support the relief efforts after Saipan was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.