San Diego-based Marines and sailors are checking in on social media to let loved ones know they’re safe.
USS Comstock, which left San Diego with USS Boxer and more than 2,000 Marines with Camp Pendleton based 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, on Feb. 22 posted this update on Facebook and Twitter for family and friends:
"All the Sailors and Marines on board are safe and sound. The tsunami wasn't any bigger then the swells that we all have become accustomed to here on the ship. So no one really felt it. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the earthquakes in Japan. Thank you for all of your prayers."
The crew of San Diego based aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is also using social media to ease worried family member concerns, posting this message on its Facebook page:
"Family & Friends your Carl Vinson Sailors are safe here in the Arabian Sea. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our close friends in Japan and throughout the Pacific during this difficult time."
At least seven San Diego ships and aircraft carriers are conducting operations in the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet area of responsibility, which includes Japan's surrounding waters.
Nimitz Class carrier USS Reagan arrived in the area Wednesday along with its support ships USS Chancellorsville and USS Preble. On Friday, the ships were directed to proceed at best safe speed toward the eastward coast of Honshu.
The USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which includes USS Green Bay and USS Comstock, arrived there last week.
USS Higgins was also conducting operations in the area, including a stop in Maldives.
Closer to home, U.S. 3rd Fleet is taking steps to protect ships in San Diego and Southern California
"We have sortied the USS Dubuque from Naval Station Seal Beach as a precautionary move against the expected Tsunami," said 3rd Fleet Spokesman CMDR Greg Hicks via email.
At this point, no other ships have been ordered out of port, but preparations are underway to help them ride out the worst of the waves.
"Local units are tending lines and making appropriate preparations to stay in safe harbor in San Diego," Hicks said.
