U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR HAMPTON ROADS MARITIME RESPONSE DURING NOVEMBER 2009 NOR'EASTER

The Nor’easter storm event in mid November 2009 created challenging environmental conditions resulting in a high tempo of operations for U. S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads, Virginia. During and following the storm event, Coast Guard assets responded to two major vessel groundings, 21 pollution cases, and 13 Search-and-Rescue cases to ensure maritime safety and security and protection of fragile ecosystems. The post storm response effort included assessments of over 1,800 Aids to Navigation to restore maritime mobility in the Port of Hampton Roads and the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, Coast Guard shore facilities received significant damage from the storm’s wind, flood, and wave effects.