Ahead of Hurricane Dorian, five U.S. Navy ships will depart from U.S. Naval Station Mayport to mitigate potential damage.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) and U.S. 4th Fleet (FOURTHFLT) ordered the move and the USS Shamal got underway Thursday.
The USS Lassen, USS Paul Ignatius, USS Farragut, USS Billings, and USS Milwaukee, will depart Friday, as the storm heads toward Florida's Atlantic Coast.
"Our top priority must always be the safety and security of our ships and aircraft, as well as our Sailors and families," Rear Adm. Don D. Gabrielson, commander, USNAVSO and FOURTHFLT said.
USS Fort McHenry, USS Roosevelt, USS Detroit, USS Little Rock, USS Hue City, USS The Sullivans, USS Thomas Hudner and USS Iwo Jima will shelter at their respective ports.
On base, preparations for the storm include securing hazards throughout the installations, removing debris from drainage areas, sandbagging, and topping off fuel in generators and government vehicles.
USNAVSO and FOURTHFLT Maritime Operations Center Director, Dan Gillen says this shows dedication to service.
"Our sailors will get underway today, and they have plans with their families," he said. "Their families will have to stay home and execute those plans of the hurricane, and that's very tough I've had to do it myself."
The ships will return to the ports once the storm has passed the First Coast.
