Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Navy Readies Forces and Focuses on Families in Face of Gustav



The Navy is readying forces as well as support in response to Hurricane Gustav.

The Navy is currently positioning forces in order to support response efforts if required following landfall of Hurricane Gustav.

"Navy forces that are trained and capable of conducting extensive search and rescues, evacuations and providing medical assistance are standing ready to provide assistance when called upon to do so," said Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations.

A variety of naval forces, including USS Bataan (LHA 5) and a number of helicopters, will support disaster relief efforts should they be necessary. Additional naval forces are ready and prepared to deploy should they be needed.

Additionally, the Navy Installation team is responding quickly with the right shore capabilities and the right support to help those in need. Servicemembers, Navy civilians and family members are being fully accounted for to ensure appropriate support is provided.

"We are taking steps to account for every member of our Navy family and to ensure that they know they are fully supported," said Roughead.

Navy personnel and their families who may be impacted by Hurricane Gustav can update their contact information at the Navy Family Accountability & Assessment System (NFAAS) website: https://navyfamily.navy.mil/. NFASS standardized a method for the Navy to account, assess, manage and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected by such an event.