(L to R) - Naval Station Mayport Emergency Manager Steve Millican, Captain Aaron Bowman USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Station Mayport, Bill Proenza, Director, National Weather Service Southern Region, Mr. Al Sandrik, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS Jacksonville (Photo: Naval Station Mayport)
(Nov. 26, 2007) -- National Weather Service officials have recognized Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Fla. as the nation's first naval site to achieve TsunamiReady® status. Located at the mouth of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, Mayport is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. The station has also earned the distinction of being recognized as one of seven military installations to be designated as a StormReady® site.
"While no community can be tsunami proof, Naval Station Mayport now has the means to minimize the loss of life from any future tsunami," said Bill Proenza, director of the National Weather Service Southern Region. "A tsunami may not strike for many generations, but then again, it could happen within a year."
Commissioned in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has encompasses 3,400 acres, is home to more than 80 commands, six helicopter squadrons, an 8,000-foot runway and a harbor that is currently serving as home port to 21 ships. Approximately 10,000 military and civilian personnel live and work at the station or on the ships in the harbor.
"The advanced warning and notification procedures, now in place, will allow our harbor assets and naval vessels adequate time to prepare for the potential influx of millions of tons of tsunami water into our basin," said Captain Aaron L. Bowman, USN, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Mayport.
To be recognized as TsunamiReady®, a community must establish a 24 hour warning point; develop multiple ways to receive tsunami warnings and alert the public; develop a formal tsunami hazard plan; conduct emergency exercises; and, promote public readiness through community education. For more information on the National Weather Service TsunamiReady® and StormReady® programs, visit: http://www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov or http://www.stormready.noaa.gov.
Captain Aaron Bowman and Bill Proenza (Photo: Naval Station Mayport)
