Christopher Hanaewinckel-US Presswire
Update on Monday, Oct. 30: According to Lt. Brian Badura, the sortie order to send the USS Bataan out to sea was modified and the ship did not get underway because of Hurricane Sandy.
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The Navy ship that will host the Georgetown Hoyas and Florida Gators basketball teams for the Navy-Marine Corps Classic, was ordered out to sea to avoid Sandy.
The Hoyas and Gators are scheduled to square off on the deck of the USS Bataan Nov. 9 in Jacksonville. The event is one of three NCAA basketball games that will take place on Veteran’s Day.
The Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, was docked in Norfolk, Va. It was among a number of ships directed to sortie (deploy) out of the Naval Station in Norfolk.
In a statement issued by the US Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs. Adm. Bill Gortney, USFF Commander said he directed the ships to sortie Friday afternoon.
There’s no word on how or if this will impact next week’s game. The Navy often orders a sortie when severe weather conditions threaten the safety of the ships and their crews.
“Based on the current track of the storm, we made the decision to begin to sortie the fleet,” said Adm. Gortney. “The current timeline allows them enough time to transit safely out of the path of the storm..”
The Bataan will make its home at the Mayport Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. It was set to arrive early as part of Jacksonville’s “Week of Valor.” The Navy-Marine Corps Classic will be televised on the NBC Sports Network at 9 p.m.
There is more important things than sports right now and we hope that everyone near the storm stays safe.
Merlisa covers Georgetown and Big East basketball. Follow her on Twitter: @merlisa
