The USS Pinckney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, is on its way from international waters in the South China Sea to the southern coast of Vietnam to assist the hunt for flight MH370.

The Boeing 777 with 239 people on board was flying to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when it vanished from radar screens early today.

The Pinckney carries two helicopters which can be used for search and rescue. It is expected to reach the search area within 24 hours.

Additionally, the US Navy is deploying an Orion patrol and surveillance plane based in Okinawa. It will bring long-range search, radar and communications capabilities to the mission.