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Norfolk-based Task Force Stays Ready During Hurricane Sortie

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110828-01
8/28/2011

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jerry Sekerak, Amphibious Task Force 26 Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Amphibious Task Force (ATF) 26 departed the Naval Station Norfolk area Aug. 25 to avoid potential damage from Hurricane Irene.

ATF 26 is made up of six amphibious assault ships, three helicopter squadrons, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and 22 other Norfolk-based ships.

Despite the relocation of Navy assets, each unit involved used the order to relocate as a continued opportunity to train for a multitude of potential operations.

"The Navy is a flexible relevant force from the sea," said Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. "Operating out of a sea base brings flexibility to the president of the United States. We plan and train the way we fight, and we invest in ourselves, so we are fit to fight and are ready to surge when called upon."

According to Holloway, having the ships underway also makes them ready and available to respond to any national tasking, including any needed disaster response efforts.

USS Wasp (LHD 1), with 12 helicopters; sea-based installation staging; surface/air ship-to-shore lift; search and rescue; and mass casualty response capabilities, and ATF 26 will follow in behind the storm and stand ready to render assistance.

"We are part of the national response force," said Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, commander, ATF 26. "Because of the inherent flexibility of our amphibious ships, we are well suited for these types of missions."

ATF 26 is fully prepared to conduct defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) if required, and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) has identified additional assets that can be placed on a 96-hour "prepare to deploy" order.

USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and USNS Kanahwa (T-AO 196) are also part of the fleet sortie and are well-positioned to support follow-on operations. Both have adequate ship and aviation fuel supplies to support at-sea operations for the fleet.

If activated as part of the DSCA response, the sea-based naval response force will work with NORTHCOM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for all Hurricane Irene relief efforts. Using helicopters, small boats and maritime patrol aircraft, it can deliver ship-board relief supplies including water and stores.

Throughout the crisis, the Navy made a concerted effort to ensure families were well informed and prepared.

"Our service members, civilian personnel and their families are our greatest resource, and it is important for them to be informed so they're able to take care of themselves and each other," said Holloway.

ATF 26 will remain on station ready to provide support to hurricane-related operations in whatever capacity is needed.