This is Tacloban Air Base -- ground zero for the U.S. military relief effort in the Philippines.<br/> <br />The commanding officer here is Gen. John Wissler, getting a firsthand look at rescue efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.<br/> <br />U.S military assistance has been pouring into the Philippines since Thursday.<br/> <br />Naval ships carrying some 5,000 crew members and more than 80 aircraft are providing water, food, medicine and other crucial supplies.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNNAMED U.S. MILITARY OFFICIAL SAYING:<br/> <br />"It's continuously coming. I mean, we carry enough, about a thousand kits onboard to give out and we have more coming in everyday."<br/> <br />The Philippines is one of Washington's closest allies in this region.<br/> <br />The island nation is a crucial partner in President Barack Obama's military strategy to pivot U.S. forces towards Asia -- a counterweight to the rising clout of China.<br/> <br />More U.S. aid is on the way.<br/> <br />The Pentagon says U.S. Navy amphibious ships in
