Approximately 700 spouses and children are evacuating from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba during preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.

U.S. Transportation Command provided four C-17 and two C-130 aircraft as military airlift traveling to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. With their help, the evacuation will be completed by tonight.

Relocating family members allows the installation to minimize operations during the storm, expediting recovery operations after the hurricane has passed. NSGB has approximately 5,500 residents living and working aboard, including families. The remaining 4,800 personnel remain behind in order to quickly begin recovery efforts, and will shelter in place.

The installation expects winds above 60 mph for several hours as Hurricane Matthew passes. U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Fleet Forces, Navy Installations Command, and Navy Region Southeast are providing the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay support and will continue to do so through the recovery efforts following the storm.

Notice to news media: Please contact Commander, Navy Region Southeast public affairs for additional information, at pao_cnrse@navy.mil, or call (904) 542-4032/33