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NORFOLK, Va. - The Commander of U.S. Second Fleet ordered all ships in the Hampton Roads, Va., area to set Sortie Condition Bravo today as a precaution due to the approach of Hurricane Earl.
"We are being prudent mariners and caretakers of the fleet, sailors and families that we value. We set Sortie Condition Bravo in Hampton Roads today because the best time to get ready is before the storm," said Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. Second Fleet. "Each ship's commanding officer has been directed to increase their readiness posture to support getting underway with short notice in the event we decide to sortie the fleet to avoid storm damage. Not only do we want our ships to be ready, but family readiness is critical if our sailors are given the order to get underway, they need to know that their families are prepared and will have the resources and support available for whatever challenges the storm may bring."
Hurricane Earl is currently a Category IV hurricane located in the Caribbean Sea with sustained winds of 135 mph and gusts up to 160 mph. Depending on the storm track, forecasts show Earl's impact could be felt in the Hampton Roads area on Thursday night or early Friday morning. As the storm's track becomes clearer, Second Fleet will make recommendations to ensure the continued safety of the fleet.
Foul weather preparations start with Sortie Condition C, with ships prepared to get underway in 48 hours. At Sortie Condition B, ships must be prepared to get underway within 24 hours. Sortie Condition A indicates the execution of the sortie.
The setting of a sortie condition does not mean the actual sortie is inevitable. Should weather forecasts indicate, the sortie condition may be downgraded at any time.
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.31.2010 16:18 |
| Story ID: | 55487 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
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