U.S. Navy Ships Evacuate From Hampton Roads, Va Ahead of Hurricane Irene

Posted on August 25, 2011

U.S. Navy ships in Hampton Roads, Va., have been ordered to evacuate in preparation for Hurricane Irene. The Navy says twenty-seven ships departed and will be clear of the storm's path by midday Aug. 27. These ships will rendezvous with 11 other ships that remain at sea.

Another twenty-eight ships were taken to safe haven. These ships were in particular maintenance status that does not allow them to get underway. The Navy says safe havens are predesignated piers that offer better protection against weather than a general pier.

Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, says the decision to sortie the ships from Hampton Roads is based on Hurricane Irene's current track, which indicates the storm will produce at least 50 knots of wind and a five to seven foot storm surge. This meets the Navy's critiera for getting the fleet underway to avoid storm damage.

Commander Holloway said in a statement, "We are being prudent mariners, getting our ships underway so that they can better weather Hurricane Irene. This will be a significant storm, so not only do we need to keep our ships safe but also our families. With the forecasted destructive winds and tidal surge, we could see some significant damage here on land. Now is the time for our families to execute the plan they prepared for. Now is the time, before the storm hits."