Fleet Commander Orders USS Bataan Underway for Hurricane Response

In this July 2008 file photo, the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) steams in the Atlantic Ocean. Bataan is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) "Operation Brimstone" off the Atlantic coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jessica Pounds.)

On the Home Front:

NORFOLK, Aug. 30, 2008 -- Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., ordered USS Bataan (LHD 5) to get underway Sept. 1, for disaster response if called upon to perform this mission.

"In general, the highest condition of readiness for Navy ships and other capabilities is achieved while underway at sea," said Williams. "Getting USS Bataan underway will provide Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces; Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command; and Commander, U.S. Northern Command, with highly ready Navy capabilities if needed for support during the 2008 hurricane season."

Bataan's underway period is a short-notice, 2nd Fleet readiness at-sea event.

(Story from U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs.)

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