President Barack Obama called Filipino President Benigno Aquino Tuesday to express the U.S.'s condolences of the thousands of deaths and damage caused by super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, one of the largest, strongest storms to ever hit land.
"The president affirmed that the thoughts and prayers of the American people go out to the millions of people in the Philippines affected by this devastating storm," according to a statement from the White House.
This weekend, Obama directed his administration to mount a "swift and coordinated response'' to the storm, according to the White House.
USAID has sent a response team to the area. After landfall, U.S. Marines were some of the first to help deliver supplies for the relief effort. The United States is providing food aid to feed tens of thousands of people.
The aircraft carrier, U.S. George Washington and several escort ships are on their way to the Philippines to help with search and rescue operations, provide medical care and serve as platforms for a base of helicopters working to deliver supplies.
"In the days ahead, the United States will continue to work with the Philippines to deliver whatever help we can, as quickly as possible," according to the White House.