Whidbey Island is not immune to earthquakes. On the heels of the Los Angeles magnitude 5.4 quake on July 29, the University
of Washington reported a magnitude 3.0 earthquake July 30 at 10:30 p.m. near Port Townsend, Wa. The Nisqualy quake of Feb.
28, 2001 measured 6.8 and was the largest recorded quake in Washington state history. It shook Whidbey Island hard with some
structural damage reported on base. Did you know Whidbey Island has a fault that runs through the south end of the island?
No one knows when natural disasters will strike, but the key to saving people is preparedness and good communication.
It’s ironic that these two recent earthquakes should occur just before Naval Hospital Oak Harbor’s planned earthquake drill July 31.
The base hospital asked NAS Whidbey Island to play a coordination role and to test their emergency response capabilities as well.
“These types of exercises give Naval Hospital Oak Harbor an opportunity to assess our level of readiness for mass casualty,” said
Cmdr. Jean Lord NC, hospital command emergency manager. “The hospital scenario included 21 play patients and incorporated
an evacuation of eight patients to the Aviation Survival Training Center where we learned we may be able to
expand our patient capacity.”
The scenario played out with a magnitude 5.8 quake near Mt. Vernon, Wash., with Naval Hospital Oak Harbor’s facility sustaining
significant structural damage. Ferry routes from Whidbey were closed; and Deception Pass Bridge closed pending inspection for
damages. Thanks goodness it was only a drill, but in reality a large quake could shut off the island
to the mainland for an indefinite time.
“The hospital saw participation from every department within the command while continuing care for those needing medical
evaluation,” said Lord.
The air station Emergency Operation Center in building 385 quickly manned up with representatives from Navy Region NW Fire and
Emergency Services, Naval Hospital, Security, Public Works, Public Affairs, NAS Operations and Fleet and Family Support.
Susan Porritt, director of Fleet and Family Support, stressed that families are reminded to have enough water and non-perishable
food to last for three days.
Jeff Kirkey, NAS Whidbey Island’s Emergency Operations Manager said that although there were lessons learned from the drill, “it
also showed how integrated we are to reach across various tenants to pull resources together.”