Military

Mayport Ships Prepare for Tropical Storm Ophelia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050909-22
Release Date: 9/9/2005 4:54:00 PM

From Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- As a precautionary measure, U.S. Navy ships home ported here got underway Sept. 8 in anticipation of possible impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia.

The decision to sortie is based on concerns for the safety of Sailors and preservation of the ships and associated equipment.

The following ships are heading to sea: USS Carney (DDG 64), USS McInerney (FFG 8), USS Simpson (FFG 56), USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), USS Boone (FFG 28), USS DeWert (FFG 45), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Hue City (CG 66), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) and USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51).

The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) also departed Naval Station Mayport Sept. 8 for previously scheduled operations.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) helicopters, with the exception of two search and rescue detachments aboard John F. Kennedy and Vicksburg, will remain in their hangars.

USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40) will remain here due to their current maintenance status, and USS Taylor (FFG 50) will remain at the Atlantic Dry Dock.

Navy vessels can remain safe at sea by maneuvering to avoid storms altogether. Additionally, having ships underway ensures they are ready to respond to any national tasking, if required.

Ships will return as weather permits.