The Navy is sending its MZ-3A blimp to the Gulf Coast to join in response to the BP oil spill.

Officials said Monday that the airship can stay in the air longer than helicopters or airplanes and can function as a platform for spotting wildlife in distress as well as spotting movements of the oil.

The MZ-3A, which can fly up to 12 hours straight, is expected to operate from a mooring near Mobile Bay. It will arrive on Tuesday, the spill joint command center said.