Military

Frank Cable prepares for Pongsona's aftermath

7th Fleet Press Release

12/11/2002 9:43:00 AM

Journalist 1st Class (SW) Liz Murray, USS Frank Cable public affairs

ABOARD USS FRANK CABLE AT SEA -- The island of Guam, flattened by Supertyphoon Pongsona on Sunday, Dec. 8, left the entire island without water, power and phone lines. USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Sailors are preparing to pull in and assist with necessary recovery efforts.

Frank Cable pulled out of Apra Harbor Dec. 6 after hearing about the possible threat of a typhoon. At first the storm was on track to hit Saipan, but instead Pongsona hit Guam with the wind speed of 150 mph and gusts recorded at 184 mph. Hundreds of families on Guam fled to local schools to find shelter after several of their homes were destroyed.

All of Frank Cable's families and Sailors are okay, according to the teams of Cable crewmembers who were left behind to help their families in case the typhoon hit. Five teams of Sailors have helped families in coping with the loss of power, water and phone lines. Cable Sailors helped families obtain food and water, get rid of debris and are also providing medical and dental assistance. The five teams were also sent to local villages to make contact with families living off base.

Pongsona's strong winds pushed the floating dry dock, "Big Blue," into Frank Cable's spot at Bravo Wharf, and many navigational aids were lost delaying Frank Cable's return back in port.

Buoys were positioned by the Coast Guard to help the ship navigate safely, and the ship is looking at docking at a nearby pier within the next 24 hours.

Frank Cable's crew is planning to turn the ship into a safe haven for the many Frank Cable, City of Corpus Christy, San Francisco, and Commander Submarine Squadron 15 families who are still without power and water.