Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Navy Ships Begin Returning to Hampton Roads

Driving home last night along the harbor front in Hampton I saw the impressive sight of the U.S. Navy ships that had fled Hampton Roads returning to port. One of the carriers had already pulled up to the Norfolk Naval Base piers and a column of ships could be seen passing over the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. It has been strange looking across at the base and not seeing any of the ships that become part of the standard scenery. I'm sure that the activity at the local gay bars will be picking back up with the fleet returning back in port. :) Here are a few remarks from the Virginian Pilot:

The dozens of Navy ships that left Hampton Roads to avoid Hurricane Irene began returning to their piers Tuesday. In all, 55 ships and submarines were moved because of the storm.

The first returning ships were set to arrive Tuesday, the Navy said in a news release. The rest will come back on a staggered, coordinated schedule throughout the rest of the week.

Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., the head of Fleet Forces Command, said in a written statement that all of the ships got under way in roughly 2-1/2 hours. He called their quick action a testament to their readiness, professionalism and dedication.

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