By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014 – American facilities at Kadena Air
Base, Japan, are reopening in the wake of Typhoon Neoguri, and while Okinawa
has weathered the typhoon, it is now mainland Japan’s turn to feel the wrath of
the storm.
Neoguri, one of the strongest storms to hit the Ryukyu
Islands in years, knocked down trees and utility poles and caused some
localized flooding, but precautions minimized damage, base officials said.
Some 61 Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft flew to
bases in South Korea, mainland Japan and the Philippines in advance of the
storm. They will return to Kadena when all debris is cleaned up, officials
said.
Kadena is now at the lowest tropical cyclone condition of
readiness the minimum readiness state from June 1 to Nov. 30, the season for
such storms, base officials said. Okinawa gets hit by an average of 10 typhoons
annually.
The Navy base at Sasebo, Japan, -- located on Kyushu, one of
the country’s three main islands -- is taking precautions now because of
Neoguri. Navy officials said four ships have left the naval base and all
aircraft have been moved. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is at sea
and is not affected by the storm or evacuation, officials said. Many ships
remain berthed in Sasebo, including the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme
Richard, they added.
The typhoon has weakened, but still poses a danger.
Forecasters say the area may receive up to 28 inches of rain by tomorrow night.
Flooding and landslides are dangers.
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