Public Health

By Master Sgt. Erick Studenicka

Nevada Army Guard

RENO – Nevada Army Guard Brig. Gen. D. “Dan” Rodger Waters, a Sparks resident who began his military career as an unassuming helicopter mechanic nearly 40 years ago, became the first Soldier in the 21st Century to head the Nevada National Guard today when he succeeded Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry as Adjutant General during in a ceremony at the Reno Ballroom. The last Army Guard officer to serve as Adjutant General was Maj. Gen. William Engel from 1979-1983.

The Nevada Guard includes more than 3,300 Soldiers in the Nevada Army Guard and 1,100 Airmen in the Nevada Air Guard. Waters is the 31st Adjutant General in Nevada Guard history; the Nevada Guard traces its history to 1861 – three years before the Silver State attained statehood in 1864.

“I am proud yet humble to be the 31st Adjutant General for the Nevada National Guard and the great state of Nevada and very much appreciate the outpouring of support leading to today’s ceremony,” said Waters, who enlisted in the Army in 1985 at age 17 after attending Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz. “To the men and women of the Nevada National Guard and their families, the Division of Emergency Management, the state administration team and youth programs, I am excited to continue serving with you, building upon General Berry’s 38 years of dedicated service.

“I am committed to addressing today’s challenges while preparing for the future, forging a force of character and courage. Working together, I am confident the Nevada National Guard will continue to set the example for excellence across the nation.”

Waters, 56, succeeded Berry, 66, who will retire from the military at the end of the month. Berry turned 66 on Oct. 3; that is the mandatory retirement age for military general officers, per federal law and Nevada Revised Statute. Berry began his military service when he enlisted in the Nevada Air Guard in 1986.

“General Waters, as you take on this role, know that you are not just stepping into a position but you are becoming a steward of a legacy – one built on sacrifice and service,” Berry said. “To the Soldiers, Airmen and civilians: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to take care of this nation. It has been my privilege to serve with you and I will always cherish the memories we have made.

“We will be fine, because the Nevada National Guard is in the lead taking care of our state.”

The Adjutant General is responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting Nevada Guard Soldiers, Airmen and civilians. He is also responsible for both the state and federal missions of the Nevada National Guard and serves as the official channel of communication with the National Guard Bureau.

Gov. Joseph Lombardo (a former Nevada Army Guard Soldier) and retired Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig McKinley served as the presiding officers at the ceremony. Other dignitaries included: Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jackie Rosen; Rep. Mark Amodei; former Gov. Brian Sandoval; retired Adjutants General Maj. Gens. Drennan Clark and Cynthia Kirkland; Assemblyman Ken Gray; Assemblywoman Angie Taylor and Honorary Commander Dan Morgan.

“General Berry will be missed. He didn’t just lead: He cared deeply about the well-being of his service members and his state,” Lombardo said. “General Waters will have some big shoes to fill but I am confident that General Waters will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence that has long defined the Nevada National Guard.

“I am grateful to these men for their dedication to service to the nation and state. Nevada stands as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation; a place where our service members are respected, celebrated and supported. Events like this change of command ceremony are a testament to that – an event where local law enforcement and countless community groups come together to honor the Nevada National Guard.”

Before becoming Adjutant General, Waters had served as the Director of the Joint Staff since Feb. 2023. He attained the rank of brigadier general in July 2023.

Although he will not fly military helicopters as Adjutant General, Waters is renowned as a rotary-wing aviator – in fact, it was aviation that landed Waters in the Nevada Army Guard.

After his initial active-duty Army enlistment, Waters returned to Arizona and joined the Arizona Army Guard and became an officer in 1992. When the Nevada Army Guard faced a shortage of CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilots in 1993, former Nevada Army Guard Maj. Gen. Robert Herbert (who died in 2021) cajoled Waters into transferring to Nevada to become a pilot. Since earning his pilot wings at Fort Rucker, Ala., Waters recorded more than 2,100 hours in CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk, LUH-72 Lakota, OH-58 Kiowa and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

Although initially associated with Chinooks, Waters commanded the Black Hawk helicopter unit, the 717th Medical Company (now 2/238th Aviation), during its 2001-2002 mission in Kosovo.

Recently, Waters had served as the Chief of Staff of the Army Guard from 2015-2017 and as a division chief at European Command in Germany from 2017-2020. He was Berry’s Chief of Staff from 2020-2023 before becoming the Director of the Joint Staff last year.

Berry had succeeded Brig. Gen. William Burks on Sept. 7, 2019, to become the 30th adjutant general of the Nevada Guard. A retired Reno policeman and former senior vice president in MGM Resorts International human resources office, Berry famously led the National Guard during its largest domestic mission in state history – the 2020 COVID-19 health response that saw more than 25 percent of Nevada’s Guardsmen called to duty to assist the state’s citizens during the pandemic.

Berry also spearheaded the Purple Resolve educational process, the resiliency program that refines skills to optimize military performance through resilience, mindfulness and ethical decision making. Berry was also successful in expanding Nevada Guard-sponsored youth education programs, which now includes the Battle Born Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Carlin and STARBASE education sites in Henderson and Reno. Nevada also added Samoa as a partner under the auspice of the State Partnership Program since Berry became TAG.

For his achievements while Adjutant General, Berry received a rare Distinguished Service Medal. Lombardo has also proclaimed Oct. 31 as Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry Day in Nevada to recognize Berry’s exemplary career.

Engel, who had been an executive in the Nevada Highway Department before serving as Adjutant General from 1979-1983 during the tenure of Gov. Robert List, died in 2011 at age 81.

During his initial address as Adjutant General, Waters underscored the fact his father, Rodger, a highway patrolman, supported the younger Waters participation in Junior Reserve Officer Training Course and his subsequent military career.

To this date, Waters gives a nod to his dad by signing his name “D. Rodger Waters” with the emphasis on his middle name, Rodger, to recognize his father.

Waters is married to Kimberly, a former North Dakota Army Guard Soldier. They are the parents of Emily, Justin and Jake.

Honolulu District staff and family members participated in the District’s 30th Annual Fun Run/Walk and Safety Day October 18, 2024.

Safety day plays a key role in promoting safety and health awareness to help reduce accidents and stay healthy.

“Caring for people and making safety a core value is the heartbeat of the Honolulu District as it helps make us the happiest place to work in the Pacific,” said Jeremy McCranie, Safety & Occupational Health Manager for the Honolulu District. “I would like to give a special thank you to the Safety Office, our Department of the Army Fellows, and partners that made this event possible.”

The day started off with a 2.5-mile Fun Run/walk. The winners of the run were Shawn Morimoto (1st), Pat Phung (2nd), Stan Wharry (3rd). The winners of walk were Julie Rohrer (1st), Kent Tamai (2nd), and Kathleen Abille (3rd) (from Pacific Ocean Division).

Safety Day also included a Health and Wellness Fair where six health care providers offered free flu shots and briefed employees on health insurance rates to help make informed decisions during the next health care open season.

The Department of Health sent Public Health Nurses who offered free Blood Pressure screening, and representatives from the Chronic Disease Management Branch, who provided information on heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.

The Honolulu District Health and Wellness committee hosted a table where employees learned more about the Health and Wellness program including information on the updated Physical Health Program where employees can have up to 80 hours of admin leave per year for personal fitness.

The Honolulu District’s Critical Incident Stress Management representative provided information on the Employee Assistance Program including the District’s New Employee Orientation which aims to welcome employees and help make the Honolulu District the happiest place to work in the Pacific.

Volunteer professional masseuses provided stress release massages for those interested.

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Col. Candy Boparai, commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), conducted an AAR (After Action Report) with the Soldiers from A Company (Apex), 11th Cyber Battalion, following their deployment in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01, October 17.

The 11th CY is based out of Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, and following the AAR, Boparai recognized select Soldiers for excellence.

1st Lt. Arthur McDonald, a 17B, cyber electromagnetic warfare officer, G39 CEMA (cyberspace and electromagnetic activities), 25th Infantry Division, shared his thoughts on TTPs (tactics, techniques, and Procedures) on the integration of external enablers.

“It was a great opportunity. The personnel got to experience the triple canopy, and the challenges associated,” said McDonald. “Hawaii provides the best MDO (multi-domain operations) environment. All the different planning factors, jungle, mountains, desert, rain. If you can master this place, you can deploy anywhere.”

During the AAR, Maj. Jonathan Eames, Jr., ECT-02 Team Lead (Expeditionary CEMA Team), discussed options on theater engagement; 1st Lt. Samson Odior, executive officer, A Company, 11th CY, discussed the deployment and lessons learned; and other ECT and company Soldiers talked about their integration with exercise participants.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Daniel, the 780 MI Brigade’s senior enlisted leader; Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Richards, the brigade command chief warrant officer; and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terry Deener, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 170-series warrant officer career manager; and the A Co. command team – Capt. JC Torres, and 1st Sgt. Michael Bell – also participated in the AAR.

Among those recognized for excellence were 1st Lt. Odior, a 17A, cyber warfare officer; Spc. Dwayne DeJohn, a 17C, cyber operations specialist; Sgt. 1st Class David Batres, a 17E, electronic warfare NCO; SGT Seth Lyons, a 17C; Spc. Connor Allsup, a 17C; and 1st Lt. McDonald.

“This is important work. I appreciate your efforts so thank you all for your participation,” said Col. Boparai. “Thank you for helping gather the data and for your candor during the AAR.”

The 11th Cyber Battalion is the Army’s premiere expeditionary CEMA battalion. Officially activated on October 16, 2022, the 11th CY can deliver a range of non-lethal, non-kinetic effects—including offensive cyberspace operation and electronic warfare capabilities.

“Global Reach, Global Impact”

“Everywhere and Always…In the Fight!”

CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JAPAN – On Oct. 6, 2024, three U.S Marines and one U.S Navy Sailor were in a taxi northbound on the Okinawa Expressway heading back to Camp Schwab, when their driver suddenly stopped due to a vehicle blocking the road. The vehicle was involved in a crash and inside was a local resident. Without hesitation, the group of four rushed to assist. 

“It was just all instinct. Not once did I see a single one of us hesitate,” said Cpl. Austin Potter.

The trucks front end was crushed, and the vehicle remained disabled blocking both lanes on the expressway. The four service members quickly sprang into action, knowing someone’s life was on the line.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Austin Potter, a Falling Waters, W. Va. native; Lance Cpl. Stephen Estrada, a Santa Ana, Calif. native; Lance Cpl. Samuel Calhoun, an Alvord, Texas native; and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jett Garcia, a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native, are all forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

The service members quickly assessed their surroundings. Estrada noticed a shovel in the bed of the truck and attempted to use it to pry open the door. When the service members noticed the door wouldn’t open, Calhoun broke the car door’s window and Potter was able to remove the driver swiftly and safely from the vehicle.

After assessing the driver’s condition, and ensuring he was stabilized, Estrada and Garcia moved the driver away from the vehicle into a safer area until paramedics arrived on scene to take the individual to a nearby hospital.

“I think without our training, I would have been a nervous wreck,” said Potter. “You can sit down and look at a book, but going through hands-on training makes a difference.”

The Marine Corps provides infantry units basic casualty and combat care training, preparing them to provide aid to injured service members in combat situations. Marines and Sailors who attend the course learn to provide life-sustainment care similar to what a U.S. Navy corpsman would administer until the causality can be treated by a medical professional.

Even after the driver was evacuated, the service members’ concern for the individual did not subside.

“We have no idea if that man is ok, but I hope he is,” said Potter. “We really do.”

When informed of the situation, their unit leadership stated the Marines’ and Sailor’s actions clearly reflect their character as selfless professionals and their willingness to do the right thing at great cost to themselves.

“Cpl. Potter has always been a Marine of upstanding moral character and strives to do his best day in and day out.  He has a lot of personal pride in being a Marine and he exhibits it by doing his utmost in everything he does,” said 1st Sgt. Thomas Ochoa, a company first sergeant, with 4th Marine Regiment.

Djiboutian Olympians Mr. Mohamed Ismael and Ms. Samya Hassan joined Mr. Faissal Raguib, Secretary General of the Olympic committee, at Camp Lemonnier on October 13, 2024 for the 2024 Army 10-miler Shadow Run.

Camp Lemonnier was one of many locations hosting the event across the world but the only location on the continent of Africa. This year the run was held in memory of members killed in action during the battle of Mogadishu in Somalia and the Tongo Tongo ambush in Niger.

In October of 1993, two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent. When the dust settled, 18 were killed with 84 wounded. In October of 2017, U.S. and Nigerien soldiers were attacked and killed by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in Tongo Tongo, Niger. Four Nigerien soldiers and four U.S. soldiers were killed in the attack leaving 10 others wounded.

Major General Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Commander, spoke on the significance of the event and their special guests.

“I want to express my great appreciation to our Djiboutian athletes here who are representing our host nation,” Major General Cashman said. “It’s only fitting, running the 10-miler here in Africa, that we recognize those fallen comrades that gave their lives.”

The close partnership between Djibouti and the U.S. military is crucial for preventing future conflicts and maintaining stability, security, and prosperity in East Africa.

Fort Knox, KY – The U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group (ARCG) held its Yearly Mission Brief (YMB) at the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 10-12. The event brought together battalion commanders and leaders from across the Group to discuss the strategic direction and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The brief served as a platform for leaders to align unit goals, identify challenges, and foster collaboration within the Army Reserve community.

Two distinguished visitors attended the event: Deputy Commanding General of the Army Reserve, Maj. Gen. Martin F. Klein, and his senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. Subretta Pompey. Their presence underscored the importance of the brief, providing an opportunity to engage directly with battalion leadership. Maj. Gen. Klein emphasized the significance of ARCG’s role in maintaining the readiness and retention of the Army Reserve.

Maj. Gen. Klein emphasized the significance of ARCG’s role in maintaining the readiness and retention of the Army Reserve.

“The need to retain and maintain a strong force is greater than I’ve ever seen it,” Klein said. “The surge in Iraq and Afghanistan between 24,000 Soldiers. Our requirement now is at 70,000. We need your help to place people in units who can deploy, but also increase the citizen Soldier experience, to develop systems and practices to enable us to do that, and to connect with who you’re serving with.”

During their visit, Maj. Gen. Klein also met with students of the Army Reserve Career Counselors course (79V) and the 79V Senior Leaders Course at the ARRTC. The students, who graduated September 26, have been preparing to either join or enhance ARCG in the field to help retain top talent and uphold the Army Reserve’s standards of excellence.

Students shared the positive impact his visit made.

“He seized the opportunity to see the next generation of leaders that will assist him in his mission to sustain the force of the Army Reserve,” said Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Dates, a 79V ARCC class 007-24 student based out of Stuttgart, Germany.

Maj. Gen. Klein encouraged the students by stressing the importance of their future roles in supporting the Army Reserve’s retention mission by citing what he believes to be the true vision of the U.S. Founding Fathers; Citizen Soldiers.

In 1774 (our Founding Fathers) were discussing what this country would be outside of the British rule… they agreed on this concept called democracy. Alexander Hamilton wrote what the land force should be: service in the military of the United States should be composed of citizen soldiers who are engaged in commerce, academia and other pursuits, who are trained and when called upon will come forth and defend the nation and win our nations wars. And just as soon as they’re finished with their call to service, that they return to their communities and forever speak of the tales of our nation.

During the YMB, battalion leadership also shared insights on their plans for the upcoming year. Lt. Col. Tawanda Murphy, Commander of the 1st Battalion, highlighted their focus on returning to the basics by creating a more efficient training platform.

“We’re streamlining the training process to reduce time and provide our Troop Program Unit Soldiers with the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “Our Army Reserve Career Counselors are operating more independently, which clarifies expectations and ensures accountability.”

Sgt. Maj. Laqueena Carmack, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 6th Battalion, emphasized the value of the YMB and USARC’s leadership visit.

“Attending the YMB and engaging with other battalion leaders allowed us to implement effective strategies for mission success,” said Carmack. “It’s always beneficial to have senior leaders talk and clarify our objectives.”

Sgt. Maj. Lacy Kutz, Senior Enlisted Advisor of 8th Battalion, echoed the importance hearing directly from senior leaders, even at her level.

“We had a chance to listen to their priorities, internalize them and look for ways to implement them in our battalions,” said Kutz. “It’s important because ARCG is directly supporting the top priority of filling units to prepare them for mobilization, ensuring the readiness of the Army Reserve.”

The Yearly Mission Brief concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment from all leaders to support the mission and objectives set forth by the Army Reserve Careers Group, ensuring continued excellence and readiness across the force.

Each battalion has since returned from the YMB and briefed their teams on the next fiscal year.

“You exist to contribute to something else that really matters,” said Klein. “You are breathing life into a democracy that was envisioned by our founding fathers that makes people, societies better. I want you to remember that when you’re out in the field, retaining America’s future.”

NORTH SEA – The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) transited through the Strait of Dover for the North Sea, Oct. 14.

The strike group will conduct operations in the North Sea with Allies and partners from several countries in the region, demonstrating the warfighting interoperability and strategic relationships built over the past eighty years.

“Storied in world history, our transit through the Strait of Dover to operate with our Allies in the North Sea underscores our commitment to maritime security and the NATO Alliance,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of the HSTCSG. “We will operate with our NATO Allies and partners to strengthen our collective readiness, defense, and deterrence. No nation can confront today’s challenges alone, and we look forward to showcasing our interoperability.”

The Strait of Dover, historically known as the Dover Narrows, is the narrowest part of the English Channel and separates Great Britain from mainland Europe. The channel also separates the Atlantic Ocean from the North Sea, a strategically important area where the carrier strike group will conduct various bilateral operations with Allies and partners. The strike group last operated in the North Sea during a deployment in 2018, including time operating above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea for the NATO exercise Trident Juncture.

“I’m excited to operate in the North Sea again,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman and former executive officer during the 2018 deployment. “With its unique geographical and environmental characteristics, every time we operate in this region we increase our proficiency and showcase our inherent flexibility to operate anywhere in the world.”

The HSTCSG will support U.S. Naval Forces Europe’s maritime operations and theater security cooperation missions, working alongside Allies and partners to maintain maritime safety, security, and stability. The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) operated in the North Sea in 2023 and was the first aircraft carrier to visit Oslo, Norway, for a port of call since 1958.

Before entering the Strait of Dover, the strike group operated off the Azores and Northern Africa for a series of warfighting training scenarios between the strike group’s ships and air wing before heading North for the English Channel.

“It feels like the world has their eyes on us, speculating where we’ll go and what we’ll do next,” said Lt. Adam Biethman, a reactor department officer onboard Harry S. Truman. “I love the flexibility of our strike group, and it’s great to know we’ll be operating and learning from our Allies in the North Sea.”

The carrier strike group consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with nine embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and remain the cornerstone of the Navy’s forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. You can find them on DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.

TAMPA, Fla-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Survey Boat teams surveyed the Tampa Harbor and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway which assisted the Coast Guard with quickly restoring navigation channels in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton to facilitate the arrival of commercial fuel and shipping vessels in the Tampa Harbor.

Two boat teams from the Jacksonville District Survey Boats 52 and El Morro worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, waterway users, and port authorities following Gulf Coast Hurricane Protocol survey and scanned the waterways.

“I very much appreciate the close-knit relationship the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the NOAA,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander. “This enables our federal agencies to quickly respond, survey and reopen vital Federal channels for navigation to aid in delivering supplies and minimize impact to the shipping industry.”

Bowman said there has been seamless cooperation between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Coast Guard, and the Tampa Port Authorities and their contractors to quickly and efficiently survey the port channels to help get the ports reopened.

“We are extremely proud of our team for their quick response and work,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander.

Survey crews at the Jacksonville Office prepared vessels days before the storm hit for the quickest response possible.

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on the Gulf coast of Florida and re-strengthened in the Atlantic Ocean after crossing the peninsula. The extent of damage to impacted areas is still being assessed by federal, state and local emergency responders.

“One of our main concerns was looking out for navigation buoys, markers, debris and hazards,” said Greg Keener, Small Craft Operator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District.

Coast Guard liaison, Chief Warrant Officer Joe Holt, a Boatswain was onboard the SB-52 with the survey team and said storms of this magnitude can down pilings, markers and buoys place them offstation which are vital navigation aids for pilots in the harbor.

“These surveys are critical to show how close those buoys are and that presents restrictions on what size vessel can come through the harbor,” said Holt.

The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to remain vigilant following Hurricane Milton.

Through extensive pre-planning and coordinated efforts by NOAA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Transportation, numerous port partners and Coast Guard crews ahead of the storm, the following commercial ports were assessed and safely reopened:

In Florida: Key West, Port Everglades, Port Miami and the Miami River

In Georgia: Brunswick, Savannah

In South Carolina: Charleston, Georgetown

Partnership efforts continue in support the State of Florida and our mutual priorities regarding the assessment and reconstitution of operations in the seaports which are critical to post-hurricane Milton recovery.

The Captain of the Port for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg reopened Port Tampa and Seaport Manatee with the following restrictions (contingent upon facility operational capabilities):

Vessel movements requiring federal pilotage are prohibited, including U.S. vessels over 1,600 gross tons and U.S. petroleum barges over 10,000 gross tons;

Vessel movements are restricted to daylight hours only with minimum visibility of 3 nautical miles; No restrictions for intra-port vessel movements (e.g. berth shifts).

The following ports remain closed pending ongoing evaluations and surveys:

In Florida: St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, Port of Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Fernandina.

Updated port condition changes by the Captain of the Port will be available on the Homeport website and announced on official unit social media pages throughout the Seventh Coast Guard District. Check below for links to your local Coast Guard Sector page:

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville

U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg

U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan

The Coast Guard offers the following safety tips to those in affected areas:

Listen to the warnings and guidance from local, county, state and federal emergency management officials before returning to evacuation areas.

Stay off the water and out of the way of rescue crews unless you are playing a critical role in the response. This is not a time for disaster sightseeing. The Coast Guard and other responders are actively engaged in restoring our waterways and maritime infrastructure. You can help by steering clear.

Buoys, day boards, and other aids to navigation may be off station if shifted by the hurricane. Water depths may be shallower than charted due to shifting sands and shoals. If you encounter an off-station buoy or navigational marker, report it to the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Do not operate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) around working crews or in areas with low-flying aircraft (helicopters).

Turn around, don’t drown. Do not intentionally drive your vehicle into flooded or washed-out areas. You may underestimate the depth and become stuck or damage your vehicle. The flood waters resulting from heavy rainfall and high storm surge may not have fully receded.

Beware of construction materials like wood, nails, glass, and concrete that may be encountered in areas where flood waters receded, on beaches and in canals. Report hazards to local emergency management, lifeguards or beach patrol.

Beware of rip currents. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause rip currents and increase dangers along the beach, even for storms that are far away. Follow local lifeguard advisories and check local marine forecasts.

Reporting a hazardous substance release or oil spill takes only a few minutes. If you encounter chemicals or oil pollutants in the waterways, contact the federal government’s centralized reporting center, the National Response Center (NRC), at 1-800-424-8802.

The Port of Tampa is the largest and most diverse port in Florida, serving the 10th largest economy (Tampa Bay/Orlando I-4 corridor), which is now the 3rd largest state in the U.S. Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port in cargo tonnage and land area. It serves as a major cruise port and services a diverse mix of bulk, break-bulk, container commodities, and energy products that serve central Florida. The port contributes over $17 billion in economic impact, supporting over 85,000 jobs. The Tampa Harbor Federal Navigation Channel was last deepened in 1970.

If reporting directly to the NRC is not possible, reports also can be made to the EPA Regional office or the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office in the area where the incident occurred. In general, EPA should be contacted if the incident involves a release to inland areas or inland waters. The Coast Guard should be contacted for releases to coastal waters, ports and harbors. The EPA or the Coast Guard will relay release and spill reports to the NRC promptly.

To report distress or emergencies, please dial 911 or call the Coast Guard on VHF marine radio Channel 16. Social media accounts are not tied to command centers or monitored 24/7 and should never be used to report life-threatening distress or law enforcement emergencies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supports ports after hurricanes in a number of ways, including:

USACE provides engineering support to help restore ports. For example, during Hurricane Ian, the Jacksonville District navigation staff surveyed channels, modified dredging contracts, and implemented emergency contracts to restore ports.

USACE sends survey crews and vessels to ports to provide immediate harbor surveys after a storm. These surveys are used to determine channel conditions and ensure a quick return to normal port traffic.

USACE is the primary federal agency for engineering-related emergency support and public works. They respond to disasters by mobilizing teams and resources from across the country to assist local districts and offices. USACE also works to reduce the risk of coastal storms by building climate resilient infrastructure.

For more news, updates and information visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District district’s website at www.saj.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Jacksonvilledistrict, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.