The Navy sent about 10 warships out to sea on Saturday to make it easier to manage and secure vessels that need to stay in port when Hilary slams the region as a tropical storm on Saturday and Sunday.
It was the first time the Navy has carried out such an operation in San Diego.
The visiting carrier USS Nimitz was among the first to leave, moving out of San Diego Bay at 9:30 a.m. Such vessels as the destroyers Halsey and Spruance followed.
The ships headed for an area north of the Channel Islands.
“In order to ensure the safety of our Sailors and ships, we are taking all necessary measures to mitigate potential damage to infrastructure and Third Fleet vessels caused by the storm,” Vice . Michael Boyle, commander of U.S. Third Fleet, said in a statement.
“Safety remains our top priority, and putting all capable ships to sea makes it easier for us to manage the situation ashore.”
San Diego is home to more than 50 surface ships, including three aircraft carriers, as well as four nuclear-powered submarines.
The Navy says it will move ships from Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base Point Loma.
“The ships will remain at sea until inclement weather from the storm subsides,” the Navy said. “Aircraft are secured in hangars that are rated to withstand wind greater than those anticipated onboard Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Air Facility El Centro.”
