The U.S. Navy moves ships out to sea in preparation of Hurricane Irene

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin and the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas depart Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on August 25, 2011 ahead of Hurricane Irene. Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered all ships in the Hampton Roads area to set Sortie Condition Alpha. Ships in the area are departing the area early Thursday morning, Aug. 25. Irene's current track indicates it will pass off the North Carolina and Virginia coasts late Saturday as a Category 3 hurricane. UPI/ Rafael Martie/US Navy