2 assault ships USS Kearsarge and USS Ponce sailed to shores of Libya.

A man looks on as U.S. amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge sails through the Suez canal in Ismailia

Early Wednesday 2 U.S. warships are now in the Mediterranean Sea close to the shores of Libya.

The 2 assault ships USS Kearsarge and USS Ponce sailed to the Mediterranean from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal on orders from U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gates, said Egyptian officials

The officials who requested anonymity said the USS Kearsarge is loaded with 42 helicopters.

Secretary Gates said he ordered 2 Navy amphibious warships into the Mideterranean along with 400 marines to evacuate civilians or provide humanitarian relief if needed.

Gates did not rule out other options, such as providing cover for Libyan rebels and he made himself clear that he has little enthusiasm for direct military intervention.

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