All Sortied Ships Returned to Hampton Roads

From Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- All U.S. Second Fleet surface ships and submarines that sortied in advance of Hurricane Irene have returned safely to their piers by Sept. 2 in Hampton Roads.

In all, 27 surface ships and submarines sortied from Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story joining 11 other Second Fleet assets already at sea Aug. 25, as a precaution against potential damage from Hurricane Irene.

The ships began a staggered return Aug. 30, with the remaining ships returning to Norfolk Sept. 2. Throughout the sortie and return, Second Fleet worked closely with many various commands and agencies in the Hampton Roads area to ensure a successful and safe evolution. U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Naval Station Norfolk, Carrier Strike Groups 8 and 10, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Naval Ship Support Activity, and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 all played key roles throughout the sortie and return.

"As prudent mariners, we safely and expeditiously sortied the fleet," said Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway. "Remainnig prudent mariners, we stayed focused until the last ship was moored to ensure that everyone returned home just as safely as we sortied."

During the sortie, a total of 28 ships whose maintenance status prevented them from taking part in the sortie required a safe haven berth. Safe havens are pre-designated berths that offer better protection against weather conditions than would a general pier. Eleven ships were moved to safe havens, while 14 ships' berths were already designated as safe haven berths and the remaing three ships returned from sea to seek a safe haven berth. On Aug. 30 ships that had been moved to safe havens began being transported back to their normal berthing piers beginning with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

The fleet conducted a staggered return to ensure maximum safety to the fleet, the channel and the maritime infrastructure in the Hampton Roads area.

Holloway said that although the last ship coming back to Norfolk marks the end of the Hurricane Irene sortie, the lessons learned are far from over. "With the peak of hurricane season still upon us, it's imperative that we maintain our readiness both with our fleet and our families so that we are fully prepared to handle any future storms between now and the end of hurricane season " said Holloway.