Image by Coast GuardImage by 20080827dallas.jpg 378-foot, Charleston-homeported, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is off to supply Georgia with aid.

The Charleston-based Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is scheduled to deliver humanitarian aid to the Georgian government after its recent conflict with Russia.

Coast Guard
Pallets of aid aboard the ship's flight deck.The ship is loaded with "soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, baby formula, laundry detergent, toilet paper and diapers, among other things."

Here's some more info from the Coast Guard:
The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas from Charleston pulled into port delivering humanitarian relief supplies as part of Operation Assured Delivery, the United States military's ongoing effort to support the Georgian government's request for humanitarian assistance.

Dallas will offload 80 pallets with more than 76,000 lbs. of humanitarian assistance supplies. The goods include hygiene items, food, milk and juices. Bat'umi port currently provides an established distribution hub to quickly dispense the aid.

"The crew of Dallas really wants these goods to make a difference in the lives of the Georgian people," said Capt. Robert Wagner, commanding officer of Dallas. "When we received the order to deliver these supplies, the men and women of this ship responded quickly at every turn."

Dallas's homeport has been Charleston since 1996.

Earlier this month Charleston-based air crews helped return 2,000 Georgian troops back home from Iraq. And, the Charleston Air Force Base has had a continuing role in getting goods sent over to Georgia.

Thanks to NBC News 2 for tipping us off.

Update August 28: The New York Times writes about how deployment of ships, like the Dallas, are likely part of a larger military posturing against Russia.