Washington (CNN) -- Humanitarian assistance from the United States began its journey to Japan Friday, as President Barack Obama extended a helping hand to the nation after it was hit by a devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami. There are eight warships either near Japan or headed for it. All are attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet, which is headquartered in Yokosuka, Japan. Navy personnel began loading tons of disaster relief supplies aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet command flagship, the USS Blue Ridge, currently in Singapore The vessel and its crew were scheduled to depart for Japan Saturday morning, according to a statement from U.S. 7th Fleet public affairs.
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NEW: The U.S. 7th Fleet takes the lead regarding delivery of aid to Japan
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Eight major U.S. warships are ordered to Japan
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U.S. federal agencies coordinate search and rescue teams
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Bud Selig promises aid from MLB, citing a "shared love of baseball"
However, no reports of injuries among 7th @placeholder personnel have been received and no major damage has been reported among fleet assets, according to the public affairs statement.
Earlier in the day, @placeholder described his country's assistance priorities at a news conference.