CFAS Sasebo Earthquake and Tsunami Announcements 03-11-2011

21 Hours Ago:
Eathquake/Tsunami Update: Earthquake 8.8 Magnitude with tsunami confirmed in Yokosuka area at approx. 1422 Japan time. Sasebo in no danger. Earthquake location off the east coast of North Honshu. Again, Sasebo area in no danger and CFAS is closely monitoring the situation.

21 Hours Ago:
Because of the earthquake, some SoftBank to SoftBank mobile calls will not go through. SoftBank Tokyo is working to get the issue resolved.

21 Hours Ago:
EARHTQUAKE/TSUNAMI UPDATE from USN bases in Japan:

CFA Sasebo - No apparent damage.
NAF Misawa - Loss of power and one steam pipe ruptured.
NAF Atsugi - No apparent damage.
NAVSUPFAC Diego Garcia - No apparent damage.
CFA Yokosuka - Negishi landline Comms down but positive comms with radio, North Dock Yokohama reported loss of power.
CFA Okinawa - No apparent damage

20 Hours Ago:
Summary - At 1446I, 11MAR, an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 occurred off the northern coast of Honshu. Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated. *CFAS has advisory for height of 0.5 meter water level in Sasebo harbor. *CFAY: A warning has been issued for heights up to 2.0 meters been issued at 1608I.

20 Hours Ago:
SoftBank would like to advise customers that due to the earthquake in the Tokyo area on Friday 3/11/2011 Our cell phone signal has been effected. Customers may experience problems calling from their cell phone. All efforts are being done to restore signal.

20 Hours Ago:
USS TORTUGA ordered to conduct personnel recall and prepare for possible tasking to get underway. Several JMSDF ships has already sortied out of Sasebo harbor in anticipation of possible Disaster Relief tasking.

19 Hours Ago:
Tsunami impact in Sasebo will be minor at 0.5 meter increase in water level expected at 1930 tonight. USS TORTUGA is getting underway tonight to be ready for possible tasking to assist recovery efforts. No cancellation of events in Sasebo tonight.

15 Hours Ago:
UPDATES ON EARTHQUAKE (Sasebo People might be stranded at airports): - 711 domestic flights canceled after powerful quake in Japan - 13,000 people stranded at Narita airport, 10,000 at Haneda airport terminals If you know people that are stranded, you can contact CFAS CDO by FACEBOOK posting below.

15 Hours Ago:
No damage to Sasebo. Misawa is without power and some damage. No US Navy injuires have been reported.

14 Hours Ago:
No injuries reported in Okinawa.

14 Hours Ago:
Power outage and steam pipe broken. No injuries any where in Japan for USN personel reported.

6 Hours Ago:
All people contacting Japan, there are reports of telephone lines being overwhelmed. --There is no damage and no injuries reported in Sasebo area.

2 Hours Ago:
Earthquake Updates via NHK in English and i-phone app:

NHK world TV http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

NHK world application for iphone
http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/nhk-...0%3Fmt%3D8

2 Hours Ago:
The Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) has activated a mandatory muster. All Military, Dod Civilians and Contractors and are required to login to NFAAS and complete the muster for all family members and sponsors. Further information can be found at https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil/

1 Hour Ago:
Some commercial planes to Narita Airport diverted to Yakota Air Base: http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/video...&sid=18935

1 Hour Ago:
FYI: Americans in Japan who need help, or people seeking information about a loved one in Japan, can send an e-mail to japanemergencyusc@state.gov. Americans outside Japan but in tsunami-affected areas who need help, or people seeking information about an American in affected areas outside Japan, can e-mail pacifictsunamiusc@state.gov. A telephone information line also has been set up at 1-888-407-4747

6 Minutes Ago:
The State Department is setting up a task force for Americans to call about their relatives in Japan. The numbers are 1-888-407-4747 and 202-501-4444. The Department of State is reaching out to DoD to coordinate inquiries on Status of Forces Agreement personnel. If you're reading this from CONUS and you've got a Sailor in Japan you'd like to get information on, please dial these numbers.

5 Minutes Ago:
The Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) has activated a mandatory muster. All Military, Dod Civilians and Contractors are required to login to NFAAS and complete the muster for all family members and sponsors. Further information can be found at https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil/

About 4 Hours Ago:
For those who would like to help earthquake victims see links below for articles on CNN's website about who and who not to donate to. We will post information for local donations/help as we receive it. As always, be careful of non-legitimate causes.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/1...-can-help/

About 1 Hour Ago:
The U.S. Government is communicating closely with the Japanese
Government on events as they unfold. We have and will continue to
mobilize all appropriate resources. The U.S. Government and all
necessary experts are fully engaged in analyzing the issues, including
the Fukushima reactor issues, in close consultation with the Japanese
Government. We are committed to providing you with all necessary
information as we receive it. There is no double standard - what we
advise our Embassy personnel will be provided to all Americans.

Please understand that there will continue to be substantial
misinformation in the public. We urge American citizens in Japan to
follow the instructions of Japanese civil defense authorities. The
Japan Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has recommended that
people who live within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Nuclear Power
Plant in Okumacho evacuate the area immediately. No other evacuations
have been recommended.

About An Hour Ago:
Japanese News just announced that two USN helicopters, operating from USS RONALD REAGAN, are working with JMSDF to deliver 30,000 meals to Kesennuma Town, Miyagi Prefecture.

Meals are aboard JMSDF AOE, JS TOKIWA, and USN & JMSDF helos are doing round-robin flights to get the large amount of food ashore.

About 25 Minutes Ago:
Japanese News now showing footage of USS RONALD REAGAN on-scene and explaining the beginning of food delivery ops in with JMSDF helo & JS TOKIWA. News analyst mentioned that RONALD REAGAN was diverted from its original course en route the Middle East.

About 25 Minutes Ago:
Japanese News explanations of movements/intentions of USS BLUE RIDGE (from Singapore), USS ESSEX (with USMC from Okinawa), USS TORTUGA (after picking up heavy-lift helos from ROK), USS COWPENS, USS JOHN S. MCCAIN, and other ships.

-- Mention of USN helos from NAF Atsugi flying to help with evacuation ops at a refugee place up north.

About 25 Minutes Ago:
JN news states that Lots of activity, and there was recognition/commentary about "Wow! This shows the U.S. seriously cares and is putting great effort in the ops to help Japanese..."

About 16 Hours Ago:
ROLLING BLACK OUTS: As of Monday morning 0700, CFAS has not been notified about any scheduled power outage for the base. Will update if this changes.

About 16 Hours Ago:
Yokota Air Force Base has been advised to prepare for a base-wide power outage from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm local time 14 March.
-The outage is part of the Tokyo Electric Power Company's efforts to restore power to quake-stricken northern Japan ...by initiating power load sharing from the Kanto Area, to include Yokota Air Base.

About 16 Hours Ago:
Scheduled Blackout for Tokyo area: There will be a scheduled blackout (power outage) starting the morning of 3/14 in Tokyo, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka.
Areas will be divided into 5 groups and ...each group will experience about 3 hours of power outage.

About 16 Hours:
Any impact for Sasebo will be posted immediately, but right now NO blackout scheduled for CFAS.

About 15 Hours Ago:
ROLLING BLACKOUT SCHEDULE - no impact for Sasebo - no impact at CFAY.

About 15 Hours Ago:
According to a translation of the TEPCO.co.jp site, posted to Facebook,
these are the black-out times, with the specific regions included:

ATTENTION: MARCH 14th ROLLING BLACKOUTS PREVIEW, KAWASAKI AREA

about 15 Hours Ago:
6:20-10:00 and 16:50-20:30
ZUSHI, ZAMA, YOKOSUKA (NOT CFAY YOKOSUKA BASE), EBINA, KAMAKURA, AYASE, FUJISAWA, HIRATSUKA, CHIGASAKI, SAMUKAWA, SAGAMIHARA, ATSUGI

9:20-13:00 and 18:20-22:00
YOKOHAMA TSURUMI, KOUHOKU, MINAMI, HODOGAYA, TOTSUKA, KANAGAWA, SEYA, ATSUGI, EBINA, ZAMA, ISEHARA, CHIGASAKI, SAMUKAWA, MINOMIYA, HIRATSUKA, OISO, HADANO, NAKAI, SAGAMIHARA, YAMATO, KAWASAKI TAMA, TAKATSUKU

13:50-17:30
KAWASAKI, YOKOHAMA

15:20-19:00
YOKOHAMA, KAWASAKI, YOKOSUKA, KAMAKURA, YOKOSUKA, MIURA, HAYAMA, ZUSHI,YAMATO

Again - no schedule BLACKOUT for Sasebo

About 15 Hours Ago:
No impact in Sasebo from volcano.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationw...939.story?

About 14 Hours Ago:
The U.S. Government is communicating closely with the Japanese Government on events as they unfold. We have and will continue to mobilize all appropriate resources. The U.S. Government and all necessary experts are fully engaged in analyzing the issues, including the Fukushima reactor issues, in close consultation with the Japanese Government. We are committed to providing you with all necessary information as we receive it. There is no double standard – what we advise our Embassy personnel will be provided to all Americans.

Please understand that there will continue to be substantial misinformation in the public. We urge American citizens in Japan to follow the instructions of Japanese civil defense authorities. The Japan Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has recommended that people who live within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Okumacho evacuate the area immediately. No other evacuations have been recommended.

About 13 Hours Ago:
‎1-2-3 Parenting session scheduled 17 March 2011 is cancelled. Group will
resume on 24 March 2011. Please call 252-3888 with any questions.

About 12 Hours Ago:
Japanese T.V. stations are making emergency annoucements that there has been a 5 meter drop in water levels off Iwate Prefecture --- Warnings of poss 3-meter tsunami
-- This is not a threat to Sasebo.

About 12 Hours Ago:
No Power Outages in Sasebo.
Tsunami warning cancelled

About 12 Hours Ago:
Reports on JN news and CNN about a new explosion at Fukashima reactor.
--This does not threaten personnel in Sasebo. Fukashima reactors are a long distance away from Sasebo.

About 12 Hours Ago:
CFAS is trying to communicate with many other methods than FACEBOOK. CFAS comments will address impacts in the Sasebo area.

About 8 Hours Ago:
CFAS has still been receiving incoming personnel for PCS/TAD. No problems reported. For incoming personnel, recommend contacting sponsor or future command for specific details or individual needs. Information for incoming personnel can be found in our "Welcome to Sasebo" tab.


From April 1st to April 30th CFA Sasebo will participate in a Living Pattern

Survey - targeted at the Overseas Housing Allowance and Monthly
Utility/Maintenance Expense Allowance. This survey affects all service
members who reside in privately leased quarters overseas and receive an
Overseas Housing Allowance. The information provided is used to update
rates for the Sasebo area. The rates are based on the typical costs
incurred by service members living in countries outside the continental
United States who live off-post or off-base, have a private lease, and
receive an Overseas Housing Allowance.

This survey can be completed by active duty service members or their spouses
from any computer.

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/ss...dll/s/eg4e

This is the first in a series of surveys targeted at OHA/MIHA, COLA and
shopping patterns that will be conducted this year.

About 10 hours Ago:
Red Cross disaster relief


The National American Red Cross is working with the Japanese Red Cross on their needs and how they can help.

Individuals wishing to make donations to support the Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami can make secure donations at www.redcross.org. Click on "Donate Funds" then select where you would like to designate your funds, such as "Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami" this will take you to the site where you can make a secure credit card donation.

About 9 Hours Ago:
7th Fleet Repositions Ships After Contamination Detected

The U.S. 7th Fleet has temporarily repositioned its ships and aircraft away from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant after detecting low level contamination in the air and on its aircraft operating in the area.

The source of this airborne radioactivity is a radioactive plume released from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant. For perspective, the maximum potential radiation dose received by any ship’s force personnel aboard the ship when it passed through the area was less than the radiation exposure received from about one month of exposure to natural background radiation from sources such as rocks, soil, and the sun.

The ship was operating at sea about 100 miles northeast of the power plant at the time.

Using sensitive instruments, precautionary measurements of three helicopter aircrews returning to USS Ronald Reagan after conducting disaster relief missions near Sendai identified low levels of radioactivity on 17 air crew members. The low level radioactivity was easily removed from affected personnel by washing with soap and water. They were subsequently surveyed, and no further contamination was detected.

As a precautionary measure, USS Ronald Reagan and other U.S. 7th Fleet ships conducting disaster response operations in the area have moved out of the downwind direction from the site to assess the situation and determine what appropriate mitigating actions are necessary.

We remain committed to our mission of providing assistance to the people of Japan.

About 7 Hours Ago:
CFAS does not expect the rolling blackouts affect the Sasebo area.

About 15 Hours Ago:
Japan Nuclear Concerns from the Pentagon Channel:
http://player.theplatform.com/ps/pl...kyGBlh1kwz

Click on play button for video.

We will pass on information to the community as soon as we receive it. BZ to the community for your patience, concern and understanding during this difficult time.

See Fox News link above, our Sailors are watching the situation closely.

About 15 Hours Ago:

Update From 7th Fleet
The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, to include the cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), and the combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10), along with the guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) continue operations off the east coast of Honshu. An additional destroyer, USS Mustin (DDG 89), is at sea south of the disaster site.

An SH-60B helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 14 flies over the city of Sendai to deliver more than 1,500 pounds of food to survivors of the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami.

In the coming days, USS Ronald Reagan will serve as an afloat platform for refueling helicopters from the Japan Self Defense Force, Japan Coast Guard, fire and police and other civilian authorities involved in rescue and recovery efforts ashore.

7th Fleet repositioned its ships and aircraft away from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant yesterday after detecting low level contamination in the air and on its aircraft operating in the area. As a precautionary measure, U.S. 7th Fleet ships conducting disaster response operations in the area moved out of the downwind direction from the site. Relief operations have since resumed north of Sendai. We will watch the winds closely in the coming days and move our ships and aircraft as necessary to avoid the windline from Fukushima.

Air operations today included 10 helicopters from Naval Air Facility Atsugi and USS Ronald Reagan identifying several groups of people in need of assistance in the vicinity of Minato, and delivering water, blankets and food. Additional helicopters conducted surveys of the at-sea debris field, and conducted search and rescue missions along the coastline.

USS Tortuga (LSD 46) with two heavy-lift MH-53 helicopters embarked, is steaming towards Tomokomai on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, where it will arrive tomorrow. There it will onload about 300 Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel, and 90 vehicles, and deliver them to Aomori, on the northern end of Honshu.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), USS Essex (LHD 2), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) are transiting to the area from Southeast Asia. They are expected to begin arriving March 16.

U.S. Navy P-3 "Orion" aircraft from VP-4 in Kadena AFB, Okinawa, flew two missions to survey and assess the debris field at sea.

Please be sure to "Like" U.S. 7th Fleet in order to receive these updates in your news stream.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/us-7t...6368008615

About 14 Hours Ago:
U.S. 7th Fleet Talks to Fox About Nuclear Concerns and our Sailors:
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4584713/navy-crew-exposed-to-radiation-in-japan/

About 14 Hours Ago:

U.S. State Dept. Travel Update: Good info with some links for those traveling in Japan

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in Japan in
the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, measuring 8.9 magnitude, that
struck northern Japan on March 11. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to
Japan at this time. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Japan
dated March 13, 2011, to provide updated information on planned power
outages, the evacuation of areas near nuclear power facilities in Fukushima,
and the likelihood of further aftershocks and tsunamis. This Travel Alert
expires on April 1, 2011.

The Department of State requests all non-emergency official U.S. government
personnel defer travel to Japan and urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and
non-essential travel to Japan at this time. Temporary shortages of water
and food supplies may occur in affected areas of Japan due to power and
transportation disruptions. Telephone services have also been disrupted in
affected areas; where possible, you may be able to contact family members
using text message or social media such as Facebook or Twitter.

Flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake,
except Sendai, Sado, Iwate-Hanamaki, and Misawa Airports. In Tokyo, most
public transportation including trains and subways are operating. Many
roads have been damaged in the Tokyo area and in northern Japan,
particularly in the Miyagi prefecture where government checkpoints have been
established on damaged roadways. In Iwate Prefecture, toll road highways
are restricted to emergency vehicles only.

U.S. citizens currently in Japan should be aware that rolling power outages
are scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan area and in northern and central
Honshu. Tokyo Electric Company reports that three-hour outages may occur in
various regions, including Tokyo, starting the morning of Monday, March 14.

Please monitor the Tokyo Electric Power Company website,
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html, and local news media for specific
information and schedules for the planned outages. Radio stations in the
Tokyo area that have emergency information in English include the U.S. Armed
Forces station at 810AM and InterFM (76.1FM).

The Japan Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has recommended that
people who live within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in
Okumacho evacuate the area immediately. Japanese authorities have confirmed
that the situation remains serious. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in

Fukushima Prefecture should follow NISA instructions to evacuate and comply
with Japanese government personnel on the ground. More information on the
status of the nuclear facilities and on areas affected by power outages is
available on NISA's website, www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english. You can find more
information on radiation emergencies from the Centers for Disease Control
Emergency Preparedness and Response' website at
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation.

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a massive earthquake such
as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of
aftershocks, persons should move to open spaces away from walls, windows,
buildings, and other structures that may collapse, and should be alert to
the danger of falling debris. If you are indoors, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON:
If possible, seek cover under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect
your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or
desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows,
bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings
and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters,
candles, or any open flame due to the possibility of disrupted gas lines.

Due to the continuing possibility of strong aftershocks, Japan remains at
risk for further tsunamis. Japanese authorities have issued a warning for
people to stay away from low-lying coastal areas. If a tsunami alert is
issued by Japanese authorities, evacuate immediately to higher ground.
Further information about what you can do if a tsunami occurs can be found
at the National Weather Service's TsunamiReady website,
http://www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov/, and the International Tsunami Information
Center's website, http://itic.ioc-unesco.org/. Current tsunami alerts can be
found at the Japan Meteorological Agency website, http://ww.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/,
and the website of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, http://ptwc.weather.gov/.

U.S. citizens in Japan should contact family and friends in the United
States to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where
internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to
contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media
such as Twitter and Facebook. U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular
assistance may contact the Department of State at
JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and the emergency contact numbers below.
U.S. citizens in Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website:
https://travelregistration.state.gov/. U.S. citizens without internet access
may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates. By enrolling,
U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in
case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Japan may be obtained from the
Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States
and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular
toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the
Country Specific Information for Japan, as well as the Worldwide Caution,
which can be found at www.travel.state.gov.

About 12 Hours Ago:
As precautionary measures at CFAY and NAF Atsugi, CNFJ is recommending limiting outdoor activities and securing external ventilation systems as much as practical.

We expect that no U.S. Federal radiation exposure limits will be exceeded even if no precautionary measures are taken. CNFJ is continuing to analyze the situation and we wil...l update as we learn more.

No impact on CFAS' population is expected.

About 9 Hours Ago:
Commander Naval Forces Japan has announced that there is no danger to the public at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, they have taken steps to limit outdoor activity but have not made any medically related recommendations. They are monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public informed via official outlets when there is further information.

About 7 Hours Ago:
Commander Naval Forces Japan has announced that there is no danger to the public at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, they have taken steps to limit outdoor activity but have not made any medically related recommendations. They are monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public informed via official outlets when there is further information.

About 7 Hours Ago:
The precautionary measure to limit outdoor activity is for the Tokyo region only.

About 4 Hours Ago:
NHK has expanded it's broadcasting to include English and streams a live broadcast with English translation. If you live on base housing this is the Japanese channel 17 on Americable.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/
http://www.ustream.tv/cha...nnel/nhk-world-tv


About 5 Hours Ago:
CNFJ Rear Adm. Richard Wren's Earthquake Announcement Video Message 03/15/2011



Good Afternoon,

I am Rear Admiral Wren, the Commander, US Naval Forces Japan. Yesterday, I had a town hall meeting here in Yokosuka and updated many of you on issues regarding our support to the people and Government of Japan and impacts from the major earthquake and tsunamis.

At that time, we did not think the issue at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant was going to affect us. This morning I provided you recommended precautionary actions to limit your outside activities due to the detection of very low levels of radioactivity from our sensitive instrumentation located in Yokosuka and Atsugi.

Until the wind shifts in the surrounding area, the recommendations that I put out at 1025 this morning remain in effect. I advise you to continue to limit outdoor activity and shut off ventilation to the outside as much as practical. Radioactivity levels at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, and surrounding housing areas are expected to remain low. I am continuing to monitor this situation and would like everyone to abide by my previous recommendations.

For some perspective, the additional radiation exposure for the past 12 hours is about 20 millirem, which is less than one month's exposure to naturally occurring background radiation from earth and cosmic sources. There is no appreciable health risk, and we are being very conservative in our recommendations. All services and operations at CFAY and NAF Atsugi will be open as normal to include schools. Again, the only actions that I recommend are that you limit your time outside, minimize transit time, and where possible shut off ventilation to the outside as much as practical.

Thank You