Navy training alters where coal ships anchor

By

Staff

The dock landing ship Ashland is seen heading to Japan to conduct a hull swap with the amphibious dock landing ship Tortuga. (MCSN Amber O’Donovan/U.S. Navy)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Navy training off the coast of Virginia Beach has resulted in coal ships being told to drop their anchors elsewhere.

Coal ships awaiting to pick up their cargo in Hampton Roads typically have waited near the Lynnhaven Inlet off Virginia Beach at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. But that anchorage area is near Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, which is home to amphibious Navy ships as well as special forces.

The Navy told the Virginian-Pilot that is concerned for the safety of the commercial vessels and wants to ensure its tactics aren’t within view.

The Coast Guard is now directing coal ships to anchor off of Cape Charles off of the eastern shore of Virginia.