The Navy will launch today the Fleet-Marine Ready Force, a special group intended for rapid deployment in conflict areas.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said the fleet will go after the communists, Muslim rebels and the Abu Sayyaf.

The fleet will be composed of 500 Marines and two SEAL teams, equipped with two V300 tanks, two ships and helicopters, Arevalo said.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez will lead today?s ceremonial launching of the fleet at the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

The designated commanding officer of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force is Captain Joe Miguel Rodriguez.

At present, the fleet is housed at the Navy headquarters onRoxas Boulevard.

Once a conflict erupts anywhere in the country, the fleet will immediately deploy, Arevalo said.

?First, a C130 plane will transport the personnel and the equipment. We will send the ships if needed,? Arevalo said. Jaime Pilapil