Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Prepares For Tropical Storm Isaac

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin Ailes Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Base officials at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba set Condition of Readiness (COR) level 3 in preparation for tropical storm Isaac, Aug. 23.

COR conditions 5-1 notify base residents and EOC personnel on proper preparatory actions required to properly secure the installation.

COR 3 is set when destructive winds sustain greater than 50 knots and are anticipated to reach the installation within 48 hours.

According to NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Commanding Officer Capt. J.R. Nettleton, as the storm pushes rain and heavy winds toward the installation, preparations on the island include closing the hangars, securing buildings, moving people who are at risk into sturdier buildings, and hauling boats out of the water.

"Making the choice to be prepared is one I'm always going to make, because it's about lives," said Nettleton.

During COR 3, community members are encouraged to organize essential supplies including a three-day meal supply including non-perishable food and water. Base residents are also advised to ensure their personal vehicles are fueled. All recreational swimming, diving, and boating is suspended.

Some weather models are forecasting that the storm's winds and rain could make landfall Aug. 25, affecting Cuba's southeast corner.

COR 4 was initiated base-wide Aug. 22, and all weather patterns were tracked and prioritized in order to advise residents of proper preparatory actions.

Emergency and essential personnel from NS Guantanamo Bay's Emergency Operations Center continue to evaluate and disseminate information as the storm progresses.