From the desk of Commander Navy Region Southeast, Rear Admiral Wes R. McCall:

     With Hurricane IAN approaching towards the west coast of Florida, I want to remind our Navy families to monitor the storm and keep safety as your highest priority. The storm conditions continue to change and would pose significant risk to life and safety.  The following persons in locations described below are authorized to evacuate if they reside in evacuation zones or areas under mandatory evacuation orders. Military and competent civilian authorities (including state and local authorities) could authorize: (1) civilian employees, (2) dependents of active duty service members; (3) dependents of reservists on active duty; (4) dependents of civilian employees; and (5) authorized escorts for a dependent or civilian employee to evacuate.  Active duty service members may be issued TDY or PCS orders but are not considered in an evacuation status.

     "At this time in Florida mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.” The designated safe haven for CNIC Command personnel is within 100 miles of Melbourne, Fla.  Non-CNIC Command personnel covered under this evacuation authorization should proceed to the remote safe haven area designated by their parent chain of command.

                     Do not wait for physical orders to evacuate.  If you are covered by my authorization, evacuation orders will be issued by your parent command, and that can be done after you are safe. Evacuees are authorized reimbursement for travel, lodging, and per diem at the approved rate at the designated safe haven. 

     Pay attention to your local news and follow the advice of local officials and emergency managers and Installation Commanders. If you live in a low-lying area, heed any calls to evacuate.  We will continue to have first responders and shelters on the base for our personnel, we will monitor the situation closely, and immediately pass word if there are any changes.

     All our Navy families should frequently check command websites and Facebook pages for updated information.  We should all remember the Navy's mission to keep the safety of all hands as our number one priority. Thank you.

*****CNRSE PRESS RELEASE ON HURRICANE IAN click here.*****