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Navy orders mandatory evacuation for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba dependents ahead of Hurricane Matthew

Posted at 9:23 PM, Oct 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-01 21:23:40-04

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. – The Navy has ordered a mandatory evacuation for about 700 spouses and children on board Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ahead of Hurricane Matthew.

The mandatory evacuation order was issued by Commander, Navy Region Southeast on Saturday.

The Navy Region Southeast is coordinating with U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Transportation Command to fly family members via military aircraft to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

Family members are expected to stay in Pensacola until it is safe to return. NAS Pensacola has quarters to house the families.

Remaining military and civilian personnel will shelter in place and will aid in recovery efforts once it is safe to do so after the storm.