Sunday, February 28, 2010

Navy Cancels Tsunami Warning in Hawaii; Ships Return to Pearl Harbor

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 27, 2010 - The commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific ordered the return of Pearl Harbor-based ships that sortied today.

USS Crommelin, USS O'Kane, USS Chafee and USS Chung-Hoon departed Pearl Harbor this morning in response to a tsunami warning for the Hawaii Islands issued in the wake of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile today. No injuries or damage have been reported in Hawaii.

Access will be restored to previously evacuated areas. The Ford Island Bridge in Hawaii has reopened, and the Fleet and Family Support Center has stood down its family assistance center. Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai is returning to normal operations, also reported no injuries or damage related to the tsunami warning.

The U.S. 3rd Fleet also took precautionary measures by advising able San Diego ships to get underway and to take station in the Southern California operating area.

(Based on U.S. Navy news releases.)