NOAA

By Kevin L. Robinson, DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – When a bad storm approaches, there are two types of people: those who are prepared and those who aren’t.

Commissary patrons can choose to be ready and use their commissary benefit to purchase emergency supplies, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O’Neal, the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

“No one can predict or control the future, but you can best believe storms will come,” O’Neal said. “What you can control is how much of your pay you’ll save by using your commissary to be prepared for severe weather.”

Last year, many commissary patrons were hit by severe weather events such as those in North and South Carolina and Virginia with Hurricane Florence; in Florida for Hurricane Michael; or in the Far East, with devastating typhoons.

From April through Oct. 31, DeCA’s severe weather promotional package includes discounts on the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

The North Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30 and covers the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season is April to July.

The Colorado State University forecast for 2019 predicts there will be 13 named storms, five of which will be hurricanes with two of the hurricanes potentially being category 3 or higher. Accuweather’s forecast is similar, predicting 12 to 14 tropical storms, and five to seven hurricanes with two to four being major hurricanes.

Tornadoes have made their mark thus far in 2019. In May alone more than 400 have been reported, according to the National Weather Service. Weather forecasters say more than 1,000 are expected this year alone – 9% more than 2018.

Be it hurricane, tornado or a manmade event, emergency preparedness officials recommend having a plan with a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper

• Writing utensils – pens, pencils (manual pencil sharpeners), markers

• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener

• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications

• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap

• Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks

• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moist wipes

• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags

• Lighting accessories – flashlights, batteries, candles and matches

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Duct tape, scissors

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Maps of the area

• Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about disaster preparedness, go to the DeCA website for lists of resources.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

HONOLULU — Tropical Storm Barbara is forecast to continue to rapidly weaken to a remnant low or tropical wave through the weekend, and the Coast Guard reminds waterway users and beachgoers to exercise caution throughout the islands, especially along the east side of the Big Island.

This is the first named storm of the season predicted to affect Hawaii. Storm impacts frequently precede the arrival of any storm in the form of storm surge and rain. While wind speeds are closely monitored and reported, nearly 90 percent of all deaths associated with hurricanes are from water — storm surge, high surf, and inland flooding.

Barbara is forecast to cross the 140 W meridian as a weak tropical storm or remnant low Saturday morning and is expected to reach the Big Island of Hawaii as a remnant low-pressure system or tropical wave Monday morning, bringing trade winds of 28 to 35 mph and tropical rain to the windward side. The remnants of Barbara may cause rain, localized flooding, and storm surge. Small craft advisories for the usual trade wind areas and potential high surf warnings for east-facing Big Island coastlines, including the port of Hilo, are anticipated.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in significant loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries. Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated. Barbara should pass the main Hawaiian Islands by Tuesday, however, rip currents, flooding, and heat may remain threats.

The Coast Guard will provide safety messaging and port condition updates as necessary for this and future storms. All commercial harbors are currently open, and their status is available at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/honolulu.

The Coast Guard is one of several Federal agencies that respond to actual or threatened natural disasters or emergencies. The captain of the port Honolulu is responsible for the safety and security of the ports within a zone that includes the islands and atolls of the Hawaiian island chain and American Samoa. The COTP will oversee actions that are intended to safeguard the port against damage that may be caused by heavy weather. In concert with state partners steps are taken, and critical risk factors are considered: before, during, and after heavy weather for terminals, facilities, vessels, and marine operations.

‘NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center announced in May a 70 percent chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the Central Pacific hurricane season this year. For the season forecasters predict, 5 to 8 tropical cyclones for the Central Pacific hurricane basin. This number includes tropical depressions, named storms, and hurricanes. A near-normal season has four to five tropical cyclones, and an above-normal season has six or more tropical cyclones. This outlook is a general guide to the overall seasonal hurricane activity in the Central Pacific basin and does not predict whether any of these systems will affect Hawaii. The hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) arrived in the Port of Pago Pago, Saturday.

The crew is participating in Operation Aiga to conduct fisheries law enforcement and strengthen partnerships in American Samoa and Samoa throughout August.

“It was a good transit, the longest we’ve conducted yet, nine days at sea and we’re proving the capabilities of these new cutters to operate over the horizon throughout the remote Pacific,” said Lt. James Provost, commanding officer of Joseph Gerczak. “This is the first time a Fast Response Cutter has come to Pago Pago. We’re looking forward to hosting our partners and the public during tours Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. here at the port.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is uniquely positioned to enforce U.S. federal laws and regulations in the territorial waters of American Samoa. Worldwide, tuna is a $7 billion dollar annual industry and roughly 70 percent of that tuna comes from the Western and Central Pacific. These pelagic fish migrate and it is essential the U.S. and its partners protect the resource from illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Estimates place the value of IUU fishing around $616 million annually.

“After this port call, we will be working with NOAA fisheries and the American Samoa Marine Police to enforce fisheries regulations in the region while on patrol. Oceania countries adhering to the rule of law deserve and even playing field. Presence, partnerships, and regular enforcement can deter IUU fishing and safeguard these critical fish stocks,” said Provost.

The Coast Guard Cutter Walnut (WLB 205) crew will also be conducting a fisheries mission with shipriders from Samoa aboard to enforce sovereign laws in their EEZ and deter IUU fishing. This effort is being undertaken in coordination with Australia and New Zealand as Samoa transitions their organic patrol assets, upgrading their fleet. Both cutter crews will also respond to any emergent search and rescue needs in the area and seek out opportunities to work with partner nation assets.

The Coast Guard exercises 11 bilateral shiprider agreements with Pacific Island Forum nations to help ensure regional security and maritime sovereignty.

“The U.S. is committed to supporting our allies and neighbors in the Pacific, which is essential to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Provost.

The Joseph Gerczak is a 154-foot Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutter homeported in Honolulu. It is one of the newest patrol boats in the fleet, replacing the aging 110-foot Island-Class patrol boats serving the nation admirably since the late 1980s. Three Fast Response Cutters will be homeported in Honolulu, the third arriving in August. Three will also be stationed in Guam and are to begin arriving there in 2020.

FORT LEE, Va. – The Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, community had no clue before the Independence Day holiday that their celebratory fireworks would be overshadowed by two earthquakes on consecutive days, July 4-5.

Although the commissary reopened in less than a week, and electricity and water were restored to most of the base shortly after the second earthquake, it would be weeks before any sense of normalcy returned to the sprawling desert base.

In September, National Preparedness Month highlights the importance of being ready for emergencies. It’s a message service members and their families should take to heart, said Tracie Russ, the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“It’s not a question of ‘if’ bad weather will strike or an unplanned event will leave you without electricity or water,” Russ said. “So apply the lessons of Preparedness Month and take advantage of your commissary and exchange benefits to save money as you prepare your survival kits.”

From April through Oct. 31, DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package is offering various items for those survival kits at reduced prices. This package includes: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific promotional items may vary from store to store.

The theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Prepared, Not Scared.” The month is separated into four activities: Sept. 1-7 – save early for disaster costs; Sept. 8-14 – make a plan to prepare for disasters; Sept. 15-21 – teach youth to prepare for disasters; and Sept. 22-30 – get involved in your community’s preparedness.

Generally, emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper

• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener

• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications

• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap

• Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks

• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes

• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags

• Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio, if possible)

• Duct tape, scissors

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Maps of the area

• Blankets or sleeping bags

Commissary patrons can go to commissaries.com for web links to a variety of disaster preparedness resources.

For more information about National Preparedness Month, go to Ready.gov where there are also links to more resources such as the Hurricane Seasonal Preparedness Digital Toolkit. Military families can also find information on emergency procedures specific to their service.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

NEWPORT, R.I. — For nearly 250 years, Rhode Island has driven naval innovation in the United States.

On Aug. 26, 1775, Rhode Island helped engineer the foundation for the U.S. Navy when the then-colony passed a resolution stating that there would be a single continental fleet fronted by the Continental Congress.

Ninety-five years later, the Naval Torpedo Station was born in Newport to provide research and technology to the Navy. Fast forward to the present day and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s Advanced Naval Technical Exercise (ANTX) 2019, held Aug. 29, demonstrates that Rhode Island remains on the cutting edge.

“Two-hundred, forty-four years ago, Rhode Island set the path for the Navy that we have today and Rhode Island, quite frankly, continues to do so,” R.I. Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor said. “NUWC Division Newport is at the forefront of that, and our undersea work is par excellence.”

Pryor was one of the dignitaries who spoke during a ceremony Thursday afternoon during ANTX 2019, the fifth iteration of the event designed to promote innovation and collaboration across government, industry and academia in an effort to evolve the state of the art for emerging fleet technologies. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse; Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) Technical Director Dr. William Burnett; Don Hoffer, Executive Director, Submarine Forces; Division Newport Technical Director Ronald Vien; and Division Newport Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Coughlin also joined Pryor on the dais.

“I am super proud of ANTX. I love this show, and I can’t wait for it to get bigger and bigger,” Whitehouse said. “We’ve been growing pretty steadily, but we have nowhere to go but up. I really hope that this continues to grow.”

Whitehouse, speaking for both himself and his contemporaries U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, also noted that the state’s representatives are committed to building ANTX.

“All I can say is that I want you to tell me what I can do to help make this bigger and better because I think the future is calling us here,” Whitehouse said. “This is amazing technology and I think this particular ANTX event can be a seriously big deal. I love the trajectory we’re on and I will do everything to be helpful.”

A Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) signing between NUWC Division Newport and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) later that day exemplified some of the growth ANTX has enjoyed since its inception, particularly in strengthening the relationship between government, industry and academia. Division Newport already has a PIA in place with the University of Rhode Island, the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) and the City of Newport.

“There are already several links between the state of Mississippi and Rhode Island, and this is now another one,” MSET CEO Robert Ingram said before signing the ceremonial document along with Coughlin. “This will help to rapidly bring innovations we have to the warfighter.”

Pryor, Burnett and Hoffer also addressed the topic of strengthening bonds between government, industry and academia in their speeches. Burnett thanked Whitehouse in particular for helping pass the Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology Act, which directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to coordinate with the private and academic sectors and the Navy on evaluating the at-sea data collection capabilities of unmanned maritime system technology and to integrate such technology into NOAA’s observation suite.

“How better to secure commercial technology to understand, explore, navigate and — for the Navy — militarily exploit the ocean environment?” Burnett said. “The Navy and NOAA are already following the legislation that was signed by sharing ocean buoyancy gliders that are able to measure the real-time ocean temperature and salinity at the location that they’re at so we can get those into our models.

“Right now, we’re sharing these ocean buoyancy gliders to place them in front of Hurricane Dorian to get a real-time heat context of the ocean to understand how strong this hurricane will be.”

In his address, Hoffer expanded on the importance of innovating with speed — particularly with respect to succeeding in this current era of a great power competition.

“Simply put, the navy that implements their capabilities first, wins,” Hoffer said. “Since 2015, ANTX has brought together academia, industry and the warfighter to demonstrate high-end technologies and experiment with contexts of employment to meet future Navy needs.

“The collaboration between the providers and users is critical to rapidly understanding the latest technology and how to implement it in the fleet. The discussions and demonstrations from this event help shape our fleet. I’m happy to report, our efforts are paying off.”

One did not need to look far on the waterfront to see just how much ANTX will pay off in the future, too.

Representatives from businesses that could design, develop and present inimitable technology set up displays that ranged from high-resolution drone bathymetry to multi-domain remote monitoring, theater management, synthetic aperture sonar and artificial intelligence.

“We’re the only ones in the world who can do this kind of bathymetry to this level of precision with such a small vehicle,” Colorado-based AstraLite President Gerald Thompson said. “We look for objects and detail in the water that are important to measure, like a bridge piling, pipeline, jetty or unexploded ordnance. First responders after a flood or the U.S. Navy would want to know those objects are there.”

He said ANTX 2019 is an important exercise in showcasing the latest designs to the people who will make them effective in the fleet.

Division Newport employees also took full advantage of a preview day held Aug. 27, exploring the bayside tents with savvy curiosity.

“This is great. A couple of projects like ‘Pods’ would not have been started without this event,” Daniel Luchetti, a system engineer, said. “And they already have interested parties who want to use their technology.”

“They’re doing some fantastic stuff,” David Mello, also a system engineer, added. “We’re seeing what tools they’re using to collaborate with other groups. They’re developing data technology to visualize our scenarios, and we’ll model with these tools.”

Coworkers Chris Ferreira and Troy Beauparlant, a computer engineer, each said they learned something cool about Division Newport at ANTX.

“We got to see the payloads that get integrated on the work we perform,” Beauparlant said. “That was really great to see firsthand.”

Division Newport’s Rapid Engineering Experimentation Facility was one such display that enlightened passersby, with a childlike, “Hey, we’re here, look what we can do” tactic.

“The cool thing about REEF is the collaboration among different stakeholders,” Waterfront Operations Branch Head Kip Rainey said. “REEF provides a version of ANTX every day. It’s what leadership has been saying all along. Departments can come down here and work together to develop their new technology. This is where good ideas meet reality.”

Small groups of colleagues clustered around the vendors, peppering them with questions about their technology and its fleet applications. Strolling the piers discussing their new ideas, they seemed energized by the tactical relevance of their own work and real-time assistance they’re providing the fleet.

“It’s difficult to see the big picture up on the hill,” Division Newport security officer Kathryn Johnson said. “But now I have a new appreciation. Now I’ve seen what they do and how they help the fleet. I hadn’t realized the effect of the work here.”

Employees also learned more about Division Newport’s 150 years of service to the Navy in two historic exhibits set up to mark the Command’s anniversary on July 29.

To see videos and images from the day, visit NUWC Division Newport’s Facebook page.

NUWC Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.

Currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Captain Michael Coughlin, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.

HONOLULU — Six crew and an NOAA observer are safe following a Coast Guard rescue eight miles off Ko’Olina, Tuesday.

“We are so pleased to have this crew safe in less than an hour after the initial call,” said Lt. j.g. Seth Gross, command duty officer, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center. “The quick action of this crew, coupled with our training, made all the difference.”

A Coast Guard Station Honolulu 45-foot Response-Boat Medium crew rescued the crew of the fishing vessel Miss Emma from a liferaft after the ship reportedly caught fire.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Watchstanders received a mayday call on VHF-FM channel 16 at 4:29 p.m. reporting the crew was battling a vessel fire.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to Mariners and directed the launch of the RB-M and the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126). Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu also coordinated aviation support from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in the form of an HC-130 Hercules airplane and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews.

The RB-M crew was first on scene and rescued the Miss Emma mariners at 5:05 p.m. They arrived in Honolulu at Pier 38 where they were met by emergency medical personnel for further evaluation, Coast Guard first responders, and Customs and Border Protection personnel. There are no reported injuries.

The vessel remains on fire and adrift moving southwest, but may shift. The team on the Joseph Gerczak recovered the Miss Emma’s deployed liferaft following the crew’s rescue by the RB-M. Coast Guard assets remain on scene, and crews are determining next steps. The public is asked to stay at a distance from the vessel for safety.

The Miss Emma is a 46-foot commercial fishing vessel homeported out of Honolulu. The Coast Guard has begun a routine investigation into the cause of the fire.

Weather on scene is reportedly 14 mph winds, with 4-foot seas and scattered showers.

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard continues to respond to an incident involving the commercial fishing vessel Miss Emma off Oahu, Wednesday.

“We’re pleased there was no loss of life in this case, and there are no current reports of pollution,” said Lt. j.g. Seth Gross, a command duty officer for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We will conduct another overflight of the area today, and Coast Guard personnel are investigating the cause of the fire.”

The vessel caught fire Tuesday afternoon about 8 miles south of Sand Island prompting a search and rescue response. The ship burned throughout the night and subsequently sank at 7:22 a.m. seven miles south of Barbers Point in 2,700 feet of water.

Salvors arrived overnight and began fighting the fire this morning intending to salvage the vessel. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders coordinated a Coast Guard Auxiliary Air flight for sunrise with a pollution responder aboard to assess any visible pollution or debris. The maximum potential fuel load for the Miss Emma was 3,200 gallons of diesel, of which about 1,500 gallons was reportedly aboard. The fire likely consumed some or all of that fuel.

The Coast Guard received the initial mayday call from the crew of the Miss Emma at 4:29 p.m. Tuesday reporting the fire. A Coast Guard Station Honolulu 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew was first on scene and rescued the six crew, and an NOAA observer from the fishing vessel’s liferaft. They arrived safely to Pier 38 in Honolulu with no reported injuries.

The USCGC Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) crew responded Tuesday and recovered the liferaft. They were on scene throughout the night to ensure that the burning vessel did not become a hazard to local maritime traffic. Following the sinking, they observed no signs of pollution or debris.

Weather is variable winds with seas to 3 feet. There is a small craft advisory in effect for the main Hawaiian Islands.