Essex Withdraws

The USS Essex(LHD 2) and her task force of three ships have withdrawn from the coast of Myanmar.After 15 attempts to convince the Myanmar leaders to allow aid to the cyclone-ravaged land,Admiral Timothy J. Keating,Commander,U.S. Pacific Command,said he was saddened and frustrated by the leaders' unrelenting position.Keating had personally flown to the capital,Rangoon,and offered to permit Myanmar personnel aboard Navy ships and aircraft.British and French warships were also turned away.The Navy remains willing to assist,Admiral Keating said.