SAN DIEGO, 20 Aug. (DPA/EP) –
The US Navy has dispatched about 10 warships to facilitate the handling and safety of ships that must remain in port when Hurricane Hilary hits the region as a tropical storm on Saturday and Sunday. It is the first time that the Navy has carried out an operation of this type in San Diego.
The visiting aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was one of the first to leave, leaving San Diego Bay at 9:30 am (local time) and was followed by ships such as the destroyers Halsey and Spruance. The ships have headed for an area north of the Channel Islands.
“To ensure the safety of our Sailors and ships, we are taking all necessary steps to mitigate the potential damage to Third Fleet infrastructure and ships caused by the storm,” said US Third Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Michael Boyle, in a statement, in which he added that “security remains our top priority, and putting all capable ships at sea makes it easier for us to handle the situation on land.”
San Diego is home to more than 50 surface ships, including three aircraft carriers, as well as four nuclear-powered submarines and the Navy says it will relocate ships from Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base Point Loma.
“The ships will remain at sea until the inclement weather caused by the storm subsides,” the Navy explained, adding that “the aircraft are secured in hangars that are rated to withstand higher winds than anticipated aboard the Station. North Island Naval Air Facility and the El Centro Naval Air Facility”.
