Two Air Force planes have been sent to Mississippi and are awaiting orders to start dumping chemicals on the oil spill threatening the Gulf Coast.

Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. said Friday that two C-130s specially modified for aerial spraying were sent Thursday from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio.

Air Force spokesman Maj. David Faggard at the Pentagon says the planes stand ready in case they're needed to spray oil-dispersing chemicals.

The Navy also has sent equipment for the cleanup. Pentagon officials are talking with the Department of Homeland Security to figure out what other help the military can provide.