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GW Prepares After Tsunami Warning

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100301-09
Release Date: 3/1/2010 4:51:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheng S. Yang, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) prepared for a potentially damaging tsunami Feb. 28 in Yokosuka, Japan.

As Japan issued a major tsunami warning for much of its coastline, George Washington took all the necessary measures to prevent injuries to personnel and damage to equipment, said Lt. Cmdr. John Charles Bleidorn, George Washington's command duty officer.

While estimates by the ship's forecasting team predicted that the tsunami would cause little, if any, damage locally, George Washington's crew took precautions including dropping one anchor, setting storm conditions and evacuating a small barge providing auxiliary living and working space.

George Washington Sailors were also put into place to monitor the tension on the lines that held the ship to the pier.

As some television outlets broadcasted images of more than four-foot waves in some areas of Japan, the greatest affect of the tsunami for George Washington was an eight-inch wave making landfall at approximately 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 local time.

No injuries or damage were reported on board the ship. The entire event was followed by family members of George Washington Sailors on the ship's Facebook page, with several fans stating how happy they were to have up-to-date information on the safety of their loved ones.

"We did quite well for not having done this before. Everything was done in an orderly manner. Everybody responded with plenty of speed," said Bleidorn.

"I feel good that I was part of the preparation; it's an honor to play a role in the successful preparation yesterday," said Quarter Master Seaman Jason Gibson, who watched for tides and currents.

If the tsunami had worsened, George Washington could have taken more serious measures including dropping its second anchor, moving to deeper water or even getting underway, said Bleidorn.

Naval commands throughout the Pacific were placed on heightened alert after multiple weather agencies issued tsunami warnings. The warnings have since been rescinded.