Coast Guard Responds to Super Typhoon Ioke
| Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: Sept. 3, 2006
Contact: Public Information Officer |
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Coast Guard Responds to Super Typhoon Ioke HONOLULU - The Coast Guard conducted an aerial assessment Saturday of Wake Island in response to Super Typhoon Ioke, which passed over the island Thursday.The assessment, conducted by a Coast Guard C-130 aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point, located in Kapolei, Hawaii, was to determine if any pollution was released due to the typhoon. The overflight footage, which was reviewed by both Coast Guard and Air Force response personnel, showed no observable oil spills or hazardous material releases. A ground assessment team, comprised of Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team (PST) members, is scheduled to arrive on the island Thursday. The team's mission will be to conduct a detailed survey of the area, which includes confirmation of the aerial assessment and determine the integrity of the island's structures. The Coast Guard Cutter Sherman, a 378-foot high-endurance cutter from Alameda, Calif., is supporting the assessment of the island and its surrounding environment and will deliver members of the PST and equipment to the island. Members of the Army, located on Kwajalien Atoll, are aiding the Sherman with logistics. Prior to the storm's arrival, the Coast Guard identified potential sources of pollution on the island, which included 3 million gallons of aircraft fuel (JP-5), in addition to various other hazardous materials. The Coast Guard is working with the Air Force, Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Hawaii Department of U.S. Fish and Wildlife to continually assess the island and respond to any pollution or other incidents, if necessary. For more information about the Coast Guard's response, please contact PAC Mark Mackowiak or PA1 Chad Saylor. ###
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