U.S. task force to leave Myanmar waters

WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. Navy flotilla that has been standing by off Myanmar since a devastating cyclone last month is leaving without dropping off any aid.

The Navy said in a written statement the USS Essex group will resume its voyage Thursday because Myanmar's military government has refused to allow U.S. forces to bring relief supplies ashore.

"Over the past three weeks, we have made at least 15 attempts to convince the (Myanmar) government to allow our ships, helicopters, and landing craft to provide additional disaster relief … but they have refused us each and every time," said Adm. Timothy Keating. "It is time for the USS Essex group to move on to its next mission."

Keating said several heavy-lift aircraft would be left behind in Thailand to assist civilian aid agencies.

The Essex and the other three ships are transporting a Marine Corps expeditionary unit the Navy said had operational commitments elsewhere.