U.S. pledges additional aid in search for missing AirAsia flight

The United States on Tuesday pledged additional aid in search for a missing AirAsia flight, as debris and six bodies have been found.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement that the United States had deployed the USS Sampson, a guided missile destroyer, and is ready to send another ship if needed to join the search for Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501.

"We continue to work with Indonesia to identify what additional resources may be required, and the United States stands ready to provide additional assistance during this difficult time," he said.

The Singapore-bound flight with 162 people on board lost contact with the Indonesian air traffic control 42 minutes after taking off from the city of Surabaya on Sunday morning, and Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed Tuesday afternoon the debris found in the Karimata Strait is indeed from the ill-fated jetliner.

AirAsia Indonesia said family members of passengers will be invited to Surabaya, where the recovered bodies will be identified. Enditem