US 2nd Fleet Increases Readiness in Preparation for Hurricane Earl

From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet ordered all ships in the Hampton Roads, Va., area to set sortie condition Bravo Aug. 31 as a precaution due to the approach of Hurricane Earl.

"We are being prudent mariners and caretakers of the fleet, Sailors and families that we value. We set Sortie Condition Bravo in Hampton Roads today because the best time to get ready is before the storm," said Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. "Each ship's commanding officer has been directed to increase their readiness posture to support getting underway with short notice in the event we decide to sortie the fleet to avoid storm damage. Not only do we want our ships to be ready, but family readiness is critical if our Sailors are given the order to get underway, they need to know that their families are prepared and will have the resources and support available for whatever challenges the storm may bring."

Hurricane Earl is currently a Category IV hurricane located in the Caribbean Sea with sustained winds of 135 mph and gusts up to 160 mph. Depending on the storm track, forecasts show Earl's impact could be felt in the Hampton Roads area Sept. 2 night or early Sept. 3 morning. As the storm's track becomes clearer, 2nd Fleet will make recommendations to ensure the continued safety of the fleet.

Foul weather preparations start with sortie condition Charlie, with ships prepared to get underway in 48 hours. At sortie condition Bravo, ships must be prepared to get underway within 24 hours. Sortie condition Alpha indicates the execution of the sortie.

The setting of a sortie condition does not mean the actual sortie is inevitable. Should weather forecasts indicate, the sortie condition may be downgraded at any time.

A variety of information is available in support of family readiness including:

-Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System at https://navyfamily.navy.mil/cas/login?service=https%3A%2F%2Fnavyfamily.navy.mil%2FNFMAuthN%2Fforms%2Fpublic%2Fpublic.jsp provides a standardized method for the Navy to account, manage and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-spread catastrophic event.

-Virginia Department of Transportation Hurricane Evacuation Guide at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hurricane_defauLT.asp provides more detailed information for preparing for a hurricane, hurricane evacuation and public shelters in Virginia.

-Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Guide at http://www.preparehr.org/documents/RedCrossReadyHurricaneGuide2pg.pdf provides general overview of tips and guidelines for hurricane preparedness.

-Prepare Hampton Roads website at http://www.preparehr.org/HurricaneSeason2009.htm provides valuable tips for preparing for high winds and evacuation.