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SASEBO

THE DECISION TO EVADE OR REMAIN IN PORT

General

Under normal circumstances, the decision on whether to sortie or remain in port is largely based on the answer to a single question: Would the vessel in question be better off attempting an evasion at sea or remaining in port?

Evasion rationale should include consideration of the following general factors:

• Vessel characteristics
• Berth and anchorage conditions
• Most recent tropical cyclone warning advisory
• Tropical cyclone climatology
• Sheltering or haven qualities

Individual vessel characteristics and berth/anchorage conditions are best determined by those responsible for each vessel and local port authorities. Tropical cyclone warnings are issued by the Naval Maritime Forecast Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Center Pearl Harbor for Department of Defense assets. Tropical cyclone and storm warnings for the waters around Japan originated by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) can be obtained via the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center Yokosuka Typhoon Support web page (See References) or the JMA web site http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html.

During the approach of a tropical cyclone toward the Sasebo area, Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo (Senior Officer Present Afloat (SOPA)) will promulgate the setting of Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR) as directed by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan (CNFJ). CNFJ is the TCCOR authority for the Sasebo area for all TCCOR except TCCOR I Caution, TCCOR I Emergency and TCCOR All Clear, which reside with Commander Fleet Activities, Sasebo (COMFLEACT Sasebo).

The Typhoon Command Center (TCC) is established in the Port Operations Logistics Office on the third deck of Building 100 at DSN: 252-2313.

Damaging Winds are defined as sustained winds of 34-49 kt (40 to 56 MPH) or frequent gusts of 40 to 59 kt (46 to 68 MPH). Destructive Winds are defined as sustained winds of 50 kt (58 MPH) or greater, or gusts of 60 kt (69 MPH) or higher. In the Sasebo area, sustained winds are utilized for TCCOR recommendations. Destructive winds can typically cause injury to exposed personnel, damage to aircraft, ships, structures and/or facilities.

Tropical cyclone warnings are identified as TCCOR and are predicated on the time before destructive winds are expected to occur in an area for which the warning is given. It should be noted that there are two parts of information to the TCCOR: (1) wind intensity and (2) the time remaining before the forecasted winds are expected to occur. The elapsed time before sustained destructive winds are expected to occur at a specified location is coded by conditions numbered on a scale of 4:

TCCOR IV: Trend indicates a possible threat of destructive winds of the force indicated within 72 hours.

TCCOR III: Destructive winds of the force indicated are possible within 48 hours.

TCCOR II: Destructive winds of the force indicated are anticipated within 24 hours.

TCCOR I: Destructive winds of the force indicated are anticipated within 12 hours.

TCCOR I Caution: Sustained winds of 34 to 49 kt (39-56 MPH) with frequent gusts of 50 to 59 kt (58 to 68 MPH) are occurring at a particular installation.

TCCOR Emergency: Sustained winds of 50 kt (58 MPH) and up or frequent gusts 60 kt (69 MPH) or greater are occurring at a particular installation.

Recovery: When sustained winds fall below 50 kt and gusts of 60 kt or greater are no longer occurring.

Storm Watch: The weather system is expected to pass dangerously close to the installation and any shift in track or increase in intensity may result in rapid elevations in TCCORs and destructive force winds occurring on short notice. At minimum, sustained damaging force winds of 34 to 49 kt with significant higher gusts of up to 59 kt may be experienced when this condition is set.

All Clear: The meteorological system has passed and the threat is over and it is safe to go outdoors.

Commanders, Officers-in-charge, and Commanding Officers are not limited from taking any prudent action to protect life or property by the provisions of USFJINST 15-4001, COMNAVFORJAPANINST 3140.4, CFASINST 5000.1G, CFASINST 3440.1A, and the guidance provided below (not all inclusive) from CFASINST 3006.1:

Storm Watch/TCCOR IV: As the setting of TCCOR becomes imminent, a coordinating conference will be held by Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo for all key commands in Sasebo , including ships in port. This conference will provide a forum to discuss a detailed weather brief, identification of berthing assignment, and specific concerns such as ship repair, drydocking, port loading, and shore support requirements.

Ships:

1. Ships arriving to Sasebo for Operational Track Ship Routing System Storm Divert should submit arrival logistic request as soon as possible to allow Fleet Activities, Sasebo enough time to include them in the berthing plan. If logistic request is received after all storm preparation/berthing plans are complete (typically after Storm Watch/TCCOR IV brief), it is possible that berthing will be assigned based on availability and safety and not necessarily based on request by ships Commanding Officers or Masters.
2. Make preliminary plans for placing a higher condition of readiness in effect.
3. Review ship's heavy weather bills and instructions pertaining to tropical cyclone readiness.
4. Commanding Officers will ensure that a continuous communications guard is maintained on 156.7 MHz Channel 14. Port Control also monitors Channel 16. Acknowledge receipt of all transmissions.
5. Review tropical cyclone plans and procedures, using Enclosure (1) of CFASINST 3006.1 as a guide and make preliminary plans for implementation of higher TCCOR.
6. Note that Sasebo is one of the best typhoon havens in WESTPAC and ships rarely elect to sortie. However, conditions within the Port area can vary widely depending upon whether the tropical system passes to east or west of Sasebo. Typically, passage to the east of Kyushu is more favorable than passage to the west. Due to the existence of Sasebo 's large mountain ranges, which typically contribute significantly to reduction of wind strength. However, as in the case with all tropical cyclones, unpredictable shifts in the path of the storm is possible; this needs to be taken into consideration when making decision for the ship's berth. Although specific berths in India Basin provide good protection/safe haven for ships, Fleet Activities, Sasebo will recommend that ships go to anchorages and/or drydock (for Mine Counter Measures (MCM's)) to cut down on the cost of commercial tug usage and to diminish the chance of unforeseen damage to the ships and to the piers. But, the final decision to sortie rests with SOPA.
7. Submit reports of TCCOR achievement to your Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) for consolidation and transmittal to Fleet Activities, Sasebo Command Duty Officer (CDO) in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located on second deck of Port Operations, Building 100, at DSN: 252-2310 or commercial at 090-1517-7969.
8. Attend Tropical Cyclone Conference as determined by Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo. An initial meeting, including shore and fleet representation, may be held 48 to 72 hours from a forecast tropical cyclone closest point of approach (CPA), even if maximum forecasted sustained winds only meet Storm Watch criteria. Follow on briefings will be held as necessary. However, upon setting of TCCOR III, briefings are mandatory 48, 24, and 12 hours prior to forecast onset of destructive winds. Date and time of conference will be promulgated via email and phone.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo :

1. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo CDO, upon direction to set Storm Watch or TCCOR IV from CNFJ, will activate TCCOR. He/she will direct notification of all pertinent organizations by telephone and email. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo CDO will ensure telephone line 252-2313 is open to facilitate callbacks by commands reporting attainment. Ensure the actions required for the attainment of Storm Watch/TCCOR IV are completed. Report attainment of Storm Watch/TCCOR IV to CNFJ by phone at DSN 243-7650 and immediate precedence message. Ensure Fleet Activities, Sasebo Department Heads are promptly notified if typhoon track, CPA, and CPA time has changed.
   1. Track changes: If storm is projected to pass to the west vice east of Kyushu or greater than 100 nmi difference since last weather report.
   2. CPA time change: Greater than two hours. Ensure Armed Forces Network (AFN) and Public Affairs Office (PAO) is continuously scrolling Storm Watch condition on AFN television, Commander's Access Channel, and on AFN radio.
2. All departments shall review individual departmental and organizational tropical cyclone checklists and make necessary preparations for implementation of higher TCCOR.
3. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control Dispatcher will inform fleet units of the setting of Storm Watch or TCCOR IV on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).
4. Promulgate date and time of Tropical Cyclone or Storm Watch Conference to be held in Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo. An initial meeting, including shore and fleet representation, may be held 48 to 72 hours from a forecast tropical cyclone closest point of approach (CPA), even if maximum forecasted sustained winds only meet Storm Watch criteria. Follow on briefings will be held as necessary. However, upon setting of TCCOR III, briefings are mandatory 48, 24, and 12 hours prior to forecast onset of destructive winds. Date and time of conference will be promulgated via email and phone.
5. Fleet Activities, Sasebo Security will announce �Storm Watch or TCCOR IV� on the public announcement system.

TCCOR III :

Ships:

1. Commanding Officers will ensure that a continuous communications guard is maintained on 156.7 MHz Channel 14. Port Control also monitors Channel 16.
2. All ships refuel or ballast as practicable for maximum stability.
3. Ships disabled, due to machinery overhaul or upkeep, immediately commence putting the engineering plant in operational condition (if possible) and make the ship seaworthy. If not possible, prepare to stay pier side or shift to drydock (for MCM's).
4. Towing and salvage capable ships remain in a readiness condition to assist other ships as may be required.
5. Acknowledge receipt of TCCOR III radio notification and report attainment to TCC through ISIC.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo :

1. Prepare shore and harbor installations for the storm. Make preparations to evacuate non-essential personnel to safe areas or shelters.
2. Assign the mooring buoys and anchorages to be used by ships present and capable of maneuvering. Particular attention is directed to consideration of safe scope and swinging radius and capability of buoy moorings to resist dragging. In so far as practicable, Commanding Officer's desires concerning assignment to buoy or anchorage will be solicited. Berth assignments will be addressed at TCCOR brief. All ships Commanding Officers inport Sasebo or his/her designated representative will be present at TCCOR briefs.
3. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Security will announce attainment of �TCCOR III� on the public announcement system.

TCCOR II :

Ships:

1. Commanding Officers will ensure that a continuous communications guard is maintained on 156.7 MHz Channel 14. Port Control also monitors Channel 16. Acknowledge receipt of TCCOR II notification. Report Attainment of TCCOR II to TCC via ISIC.
2. Place ships heavy weather bills into effect as prevailing and anticipated conditions dictate.
3. Secure topsides and set appropriate watertight integrity.
4. Raise steam and be prepared to get underway on short notice or as ordered by SOPA.
5. Break up nests and proceed to berths or anchorages assigned. Whenever possible, ships will be moved to individual anchorages. Sides of all tenders will be cleared.
6. If alongside piers, put out extra hawsers and tend lines to allow for changes in the height of the water.
7. Hoist in all small boats not required for essential boating. Small boats that cannot be accommodated on board will be sent to Port Operations for shelter. Return all loaned craft unless urgently required.
8. Towing and salvage types remain in a readiness condition to assist other ships as may be required and possible.
9. Ensure all loose gear on piers and assigned parking areas have been secured. Request any necessary logistical assistance (mooring lines, donut removal, etc.) from Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control at DSN 252-2313.
10. Immediately hold all trash onboard.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo:

1. Complete shore and harbor preparations commenced under TCCOR III.
2. Assist ships in shifting berths as necessary.
3. Be prepared to berth and mess small boat crews and liberty parties unable to return to their ships.
4. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control will inform ships of the setting of TCCOR II on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).
5. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Public Works Officer will review the available emergency equipment to ensure it is ready for issue and provide an assessment of capabilities to the Fleet Activities, Sasebo CDO.
6. Fleet Activities, Sasebo Security will announce setting of �TCCOR II� on the public announcement system.

TCCOR I : As the setting of TCCOR I becomes imminent, a final coordinating conference may be held at the discretion of Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo for all key commands in Sasebo, including ships in port. This meeting will be scheduled to enable as many precautionary measures as possible to be implemented during normal working hours to minimize overtime expenses and ensure the safety of off-base residents.

Ships:

1. Commanding Officers will ensure that a continuous guard is maintained on 156.7 MHz Channel 14. Port Control also monitors Channel 16. Acknowledge receipt of TCCOR I notification. Report attainment of TCCOR I to TCC via ISIC.
2. Secure all boating except for emergency trips. Clear all such trips with Port Operations.
3. Expedite the completion of requirements of TCCOR II if not already accomplished.
4. Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail and steaming watches. Be ready to sortie if directed by SOPA.
5. Execute heavy weather bills. Take additional precautions as deemed necessary such as steaming to anchor or buoy.
6. Merchants moored to a buoy shall moor IAW applicable Naval Surface Training manual (NSTM) with anchor chains vice towing hawser.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo :

1. Expedite completion of the requirements of TCCOR III and II if not already accomplished.
2. Prepare for disaster conditions.
3. Typhoon and tropical storm warnings are broadcast with immediate precedence on Channel 14 for all U.S. Navy ships inport Sasebo.
4. Keep all merchant ships advised of typhoon bulletins and of the setting of typhoon conditions of readiness. Require that they take adequate measures commensurate with the condition set. Merchants moored to a buoy shall moor IAW applicable NSTM with anchor chains vice towing hawser. In particular, merchants shall be required to maintain sufficient personnel aboard to raise steam, veer chain, and take all appropriate safety measures. Advise them if the U.S. navy ships will sortie and ascertain the intentions of the merchants to sortie.
5. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control dispatcher will inform ships of the setting of TCCOR I on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).

TCCOR I Caution :

1. Nonessential personnel will be sent home.
2. Essential personnel will report for duty and/or stay on duty for the duration.
3. All commercial activities identified will close except those identified in enclosure (4) of CFASINST 3006.1 and during TCCOR II or I conferences.
4. All outdoor activity will be limited to only that which is essential.

TCCOR I Emergency : The gates to the base will be closed. No traffic will be permitted on the street except for official and emergency vehicles. Personnel remain indoors until All Clear is announced.

TCCOR Recovery : To ensure the safety of the work force, all activities will conduct a survey of facilities to determine that no hazardous conditions exist. Report hazardous conditions to the TCC. TCC will contact Public Works Recovery Crew and Safety.

Ships:

1. Acknowledge receipt of radio notification.
2. Submit damage reports to ISIC for consolidation and transmittal to the Fleet Activities, Sasebo , Public Works Officer.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo :

1. Upon receipt of a �Recovery� notification from CNFJ, TCC will make notifications and execute requirements as detailed in CFASINST 3006.1.
2. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control dispatcher will inform ships of the setting of �Recovery� on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).
3. Fleet Activities, Sasebo Public Works will consolidate all damage reports received from Fleet Activities, Sasebo Departments and forward it to TCC and to the appropriate CNFJ/USFJ Region personnel. Public Works recovery team will make a determination as to what immediate recovery/damage control actions are to be taken.

  TCCOR All Clear :

Ships:

1. Acknowledge receipt of radio notification.

Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo :

1. Upon declaration of �All Clear� by Commander, Fleet Activities, Sasebo , TCC will execute actions outlined in CFASINST 3006.1.
2. The Fleet Activities, Sasebo Port Control dispatcher will inform all ships of the setting of �All Clear� on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).
3. Fleet Activities, Sasebo Security will announce �All Clear� on Channel 14 (156.7 MHz).

The interpretation of tropical cyclone climatology is addressed in the following sections.

Evasion at Sea

Evasion at sea is recommended for LHD, LHA, and CVN class ships, especially if a typhoon is forecast to pass west of Sasebo. In considering any evasion option it must be remembered that tropical cyclones are notoriously difficult to accurately forecast, especially during the recurvature phase, and the 48-hour forecast error may exceed 150 nmi. Consequently, the storm may be closer to or farther from Sasebo than the forecast indicates, or to the right or left of the forecast track. Since the waters near Sasebo Harbor are restricted and evasion options are limited once open sea is reached, a sortie must commence early, certainly no later than the setting of TCCOR III with damaging or destructive force winds possible within 48 hours.

Commanding officers and ship masters with access to tropical cyclone warnings and advisories coupled with OTSR services are most capable of making the safest and most prudent decision for successful storm evasion and avoidance. In all sortie situations, OTSR services from Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center (NPMOC), Pearl Harbor should be requested and utilized. The best sortie route in a specific tropical cyclone scenario is largely dependent on the location of the tropical cyclone and the forecast track. During any tropical cyclone threat there is normally one to three options available to the commanding officer and ship master. Selection of the best option is the objective of all concerned!

Keeping in mind that tropical cyclones normally approach the Port of Sasebo from the southwest, the following guideline is offered:

There are two basic evasion tactics. The most common is to place the ship south of the tropical cyclone in the navigable semicircle. The other is to proceed north into the Yellow Sea or Sea of Japan.

In the latter case, the cooler surface water and cool air found at higher latitudes cause tropical cyclones to lose their tropical characteristics, with a resultant weakening and ultimate dissipation of the tropical cyclone. Therefore, a ship would experience less difficulty in riding out a storm at these latitudes than if it steamed south to seek the navigable semicircle and encountered winds in excess of 80 kt enroute. Caution is necessary. Even though a circulation has lost its tropical identity, storm force winds are still possible.

An evasion route to the southeast and crossing the T early enough to avoid the impact of building winds and seas should be at a minimum no later than 48 hours prior to the expected CPA of the approaching tropical cyclone. Discussions with Port Operations during the Site Visit in June 2006 indicated that a decision should really be made at 72 hours. In all cases, the timing of the evasion is affected by:

• The time required to make preparations to get underway
• The time required to reach open water and gain sea room
• The forward speed of the tropical cyclone
• The radius of hazardous winds and seas that can adversely impact a vessel's ability to reach open water.

A late departure from the Port may increase the likelihood of encountering heavy weather as the ship departs Sasebo Ko. If a ship is caught in the wave/swell pattern ahead of a tropical cyclone, particularly an intense tropical storm or typhoon, the SOA may be reduced to the point that the ship will be unable to maneuver to clear the danger area (see Figure V-53).

Each tropical storm or typhoon must be considered as differing from those preceding it. The accompanying synoptic situation must be fully understood. To blindly establish and follow one technique or rule for avoiding the storm's danger area is not practical. The Japanese say, "the only solution is that there is no one solution."

Remaining in Port

Given the local topography Sasebo is a typhoon haven for all but LHDs, LHAs and CVNs. Evasion sorties must be commenced early because of the restricted waters near Sasebo and limited evasion routes. Pilots and Port Officials stated during the 2006 Site Visit that the swell outside the Harbor during storm conditions or tropical cyclones could reach 4 or 5 m. Note that pilots normally stop operating when winds exceed 25 kt.

Ships with large sail areas, such as LHDs, LPDs, LHAs, LPAs, LKAs, etc., and AEGIS ships are not safe in India Basin during strong southerly winds. It was also recommended that ships moored to Berths #4, #5, or #6 should get underway if a storm were forecast to pass west of the Harbor. Similarly, Berths #1 and #9 are not desirable due to wave reflection. Ships moored to Berths #7 and/or #8 may be able to stay if the forecast winds are northerly (storm passing south/east of Sasebo ). The SRF Building , Fleet Gym, and a wharehouse provide a windbreak, and most of the wind force would be along the longitudinal axis of the ship. According to the pilots and Port Operations, ships in an SRA unable to get underway would have the best protection in Berths #7and #8 or Berths #2 and #3. Note that storm lines are always used for the USS ESSEX during the tropical cyclone season. Additionally, it is recommended that all lines be doubled up and tugs be used to assist the ships required to stay in port during a tropical cyclone. Brows will normally be pulled when high winds are expected. Note that cranes do not operate in winds exceeding 22 kt.

Even though utilization of the typhoon anchorages in the southern part of the Harbor is the preferred action, several commanding officers stated in a previous port study that Berth #8 is also suitable for larger ships during the passage of a typhoon. However, discussions with pilots and Port Operations during the Site Visit in June 2006 indicated that they felt comfortable with the USS ESSEX in Berths #7/#8 up to 30 kt sustained winds. They also recommended all large sail area ships go out to anchorage or sortie out of the Harbor if winds are expected to be 50 kt or greater. Note that Drydock #2 is used for a maximum of 2 MCMs and an ARS during strong winds.

The following is a brief summary of the most significant past events.

1. In 1991, USS ST LOUIS was moored cold iron at Pier #1. A typhoon moved through the area, causing strong southerly winds at India Basin. Although she had full moorings and two 3,000 hp tugs under full power pushing her onto the pier (southward), the wind forced ST LOUIS off the pier, straining her moorings. It is felt by experienced harbor personnel that a large freighter, moored on the opposite side of the quay, acted as a wind break and was instrumental in preventing USS ST LOUIS from parting her moorings.
2. Also in 1991, USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) dragged anchor while anchored in the south (quarantine) anchorage even though she was steaming to the anchor with turns for 10 kt. She picked up and attempted to re-anchor several times with the same result. The ship finally anchored in the channel and held.
3. Typhoon Diana destroyed the seawall adjacent to Port operations on the east side of Juliet Basin with 6-8 ft seas in 1987. During that same storm (see below) USS DUBUQUE was damaged in India Basin. Southerly winds forced water over the road at the end of Juliet Basin.
4. Also during Typhoon Diana in 1987, USS DUBUQUE suffered hull damage (holing) during high winds (strongest was 75 kt) while moored to berths 4, 5 and 6 against rigid camels, and pulled a 50-ton bollard off the pier. Harbor personnel state that the hull damage resulted from the use of rigid camels instead of the more flexible " Yokohama " fenders.
5. During Typhoon Kirk in August 1996, USNS SILAS BENT'S riding stopper to the anchor chain, which was connected to a mooring buoy, parted due to heavy strain. USS GERMANTOWN dragged anchor approximately 600 yards according to the ship's navigator and quartermasters. A tug was dispatched for assistance. The USS GERMANTOWN repositioned and dropped anchor without further incident. Additionally, the USS DUBUQUE, while steaming to the anchor, dragged anchor approximately 75 yards and had difficulty maintaining position, according to the ship's navigator. USS GERMANTOWN was located in Anchorage #35. USS DUBUQUE was located in the vicinity of the Quarantine Anchorage.
6. USNS FLINT (TAE-32) while moored to Buoy #61 suffered a parted anchor chain shackle on 20 June 2003 and was shifted to another anchorage.
7. USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD-43) took a storm line to #12 Bollard at India Basin Pier #2 during typhoon preparation on 19 August 2004 and broke the bollard during the storm passage. Public Works replaced the old bollard with a new 50-ton bollard.

Vessels with large sail areas (LHDs, LPDs, LHAs, LPAs, LKAs, etc., and AEGIS ships) should not remain in India Basin when strong winds are forecast. Anchoring is a possibility if the storm is forecast to pass east of Sasebo, but harbor crowding may make departure difficult if a later decision is made to leave the anchorage.