Why warships repeatedly become disaster-relief forces

Is naval humanitarian relief a modern practice?

No; British, French, Italian, and Ottoman ships all provided relief when they encountered disasters, although large centrally organized deployments are more recent.

British, French, Italian, and Ottoman navies offer examples of warships helping communities in distress. Historically, a ship might arrive without expecting a disaster and then put its trained crew, supplies, boats, and command structure to work. Modern communications and logistics make it easier for governments to send a purpose-built relief force from home. The continuity lies in the self-sufficient ship's ability to restore order and deliver help before ordinary systems recover.