Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed the U.S. Pacific Command to support humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines, according to a brief Pentagon news release issued Saturday.

Sea- and air-based search-and-rescue assets, helicopter and fixed-wing lift support and logistics personnel would be included in the initial focus, according to the release.

“In coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. ambassador in Manila, the Department of Defense will continue to monitor the effects of Typhoon Haiyan and stands ready to help our ally recover from the storm,” according to the release.