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US Second Fleet Wraps Up Hurricane Exercise

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110429-31
4/29/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rafael Martie, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- In preparation for hurricane season, which begins June 1, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) wrapped up participation in Hurricane Exercise (HURREX) 11 April 29.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), in coordination with Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), conducted the exercise April 20-29 to better prepare the Navy to respond to weather threats to U.S. coastal regions and maintain the ability to deploy forces even under the most adverse weather conditions.

During HURREX 11, C2F responded to two simulated weather scenarios that developed and intensified to hurricane strength, threatening the Caribbean Islands and the East Coast.

"When destructive winds are forecast in our area of operation, C2F is responsible for the sortie of ships from Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story as Commander Task Group (CTG) 183.1," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW) Jonathan Gonzalez. "C2F had two hats during the exercise because they also had responsibilities as the Commander Task Force (CTF) 183 which consisted of getting reports from units all across the East Coast."

The training involved in the HURREX was put into action in 2010 as the Hampton Roads area prepared for Hurricane Earl. C2F worked with Naval Station Norfolk's Port Operations Department; Naval Station Norfolk's Emergency Management Office; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; USFF; Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Naval Maritime Forecast Center; and the National Hurricane Center to ensure the military community in the Hampton Roads area was ready for the rain, wind and potential damage that Earl could have brought to the area.

"Even though we did not sustain any damage from Hurricane Earl, we were ready because of exercises like HURREX," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW) Michael Lee. "HURREX prepares us for worst case scenarios and is crucial training because you just never know what part of the East Coast a hurricane will hit next."

Cmdr. Sean Memmen, C2F's fleet oceanographer, understands that successfully completing an exercise like HURREX speaks volumes to how invaluable this training is and the importance of raising awareness to Sailors around the fleet.

"HURREX is a great opportunity for the fleet, regional commanders and the meteorology and oceanography community to align and fine-tune processes in the event of a hurricane impacting their regions and operations," said Memmen.

HURREX not only brings a myriad of technical knowledge and expertise to the forefront, but it also reminds military families of the uncertainty of nature and the importance of having a hurricane plan for their loved ones.

"As I was growing up in Miami, I learned the hard way that its better to over prepare than under prepare for a hurricane because in a split second the hurricane could change course and cause major damage to homes that weren't as prepared as they could have been for a hurricane," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Dameian Flores. "What is fascinating about HURREX is the unified preparedness of ship and shore stations to act on a moment's notice in an efficient and safe manner."

Ensuring the accountability and safety of personnel across the East Coast is a top priority for Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, C2F.

"In a world with hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and earthquakes, it's extremely important for us as maritime operators to train like we fight and create a battle rhythm for events that not only impact our operational readiness, but our personal readiness with our families," said Holloway. "The importance of this training cannot be understated because at a moment's notice we may need to sortie ships, so our families need to be prepared for the unknown so that we can execute our mission safely with the assurance that our families are ready to face any challenges and that they have the resources to assist them while we are away."

The hurricane season for the United States is from June 1 to Nov. 30.