President Barack Obama surveyed New Jersey's battered coastline on Wednesday, saying the federal government was "going to be here for the long haul," as the state and 15 others dealt with cleanup and power outages two days after Superstorm Sandy tore through.

After a helicopter tour, Obama visited residents in hard-hit Brigantine, where he made his promise of long-term support for areas devastated across the Northeast.

"We are here for you, and we will not forget,

The USS Wasp, USS Carter Hall, and USS Mesa Verde will provide landing platforms for Coast Guard, National Guard and civilian agency helicopters if needed, the officials said, adding that the Atlantic Fleet command made the decision in the name of "prudent planning."