Marines with the 26th MEU from North Carolina is providing post Hurricane Sandy aid to hard hit areas in New York and New Jersey.

According to a press release, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is hard at work in areas like Staten Island, New York, to clear debris and relieve human suffering as part of an initial effort to move Marines and sailors ashore to support the borough in their disaster relief efforts.

Helicopters are conducting disaster relief assessments and surveying damage inflicted by Sandy.

“We’ve all seen the news, but to actually walk around and talk to people about what they are going through allows us to build a clearer picture as we conduct our planning. Despite the devastation, seeing the communities come together and help each other is motivation for us. Marines always talk about ‘one team, one fight’ and we’re just joining their team,” said Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, 26th MEU commanding officer.

The release says that Over the past two days, the 26th MEU, with over 300 Marines and sailors and 12 helicopters, have been moving gear and personnel to the amphibious ship USS Wasp (LHD-1), and are establishing their capabilities prior to going ashore.