Tsunami Impacts to U.S. Pacific Fleet Commands Minimal

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) — Sailors around the Pacific today were preparing for the tsunami to reach their homeports while at the same time joining a worldwide chorus in expressing their concern for those in Japan.

Outside of Japan, the only notable effect to the Navy was in Guam, where wave action caused two submarines to break their mooring lines.

Tug boats from Naval Base Guam responded quickly and kept the subs USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) and USS Houston (SSN 713), under control while crews moored the subs safely to the pier. Another sub, USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) remained safely moored there.

In Japan, there were no immediate reports of Navy casualties, while recall efforts were ongoing. Additionally, no significant damage to installations or ships was reported.

Ships in Pearl Harbor and San Diego remained in port. No damage was reported as the tsunami reached Hawaii shortly after 3 a.m. local.

We continue to monitor and assess the situation and are positioning forces so they are ready to respond and provide disaster relief if directed by the Secretary of Defense.