Hawai‘i-Based Ships Sortie Ahead of TS Olivia

Navy ships started getting underway this morning and are expected to be complete by late afternoon. With 9 ships already at sea, 27 ships will sortie with an additional 28 ships remaining in safe haven. PC: US Navy

Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, Navy Region Hawaii/Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, announced on Sept. 10, 2018, that U.S. Navy ships and submarines based in Hawai‘i not currently undergoing maintenance availabilities have sortied as Tropical Storm Olivia travels toward the Hawaiian Islands.

Ships that sortie will be positioned to help respond after the storm, if needed.

“Sortie of our Pearl Harbor-based ships allows them the most protection from the approaching storm,” said Rear Adm. Fort. “An early sortie allows them enough time to transit safely out of the path of the storm.”

The Navy ordered a sortie in order to reduce the risk of significant damage to ships and piers during potential high winds and seas caused by Tropical Storm Olivia. Some ships will not get underway, due to various maintenance availabilities, and are taking extra precautions to avoid potential damage.

Commanding officers have a number of options when staying in port, depending on the severity of the weather. Some of these options include adding additional mooring and storm lines, dropping the anchor, and disconnecting shore power cables.

Personnel in Navy Region Hawai‘i, including on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, should follow tropical storm awareness and preparedness guidelines established by city/county and state government.

At the beginning of hurricane season in early June Navy Region Hawaii provided detailed information in the region/base newspaper Ho‘okele for service members, civilian workforce and families. Information included preparing a disaster supply kit, creating a family emergency communication plan and knowing where to go if ordered to evacuate:

• http://www.hookelenews.com/be-ready-for-hurricane-season/
• http://www.hookelenews.com/be-ready-for-hurricane-season-2/

Additional information for families is available online at the Navy Region Hawai‘i website, the Federal Emergency Management Agency website and National Weather Service website.