Hurricane Irma: Navy Prepares For Storm, Orders Partial Evacuation Of Bases

You can see the signs all around Naval Air Station, Key West.

Michael Commander, a high voltage electrician has been going building to building, shuttering the barracks.

James Malloch has been busy securing and stowing equipment for his RV at the base's Sigsbee Annex.

Sailors on the base's Mole Pier have been busy getting equipment put away safely.

As Hurricane Irma is the most powerful storm to head toward the Atlantic coast in years and the United States Navy is not taking any chances. Bases across Florida are preparing for the worst as the storm works its way toward the state.

Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, who is the commander of Navy Region, Southeast, ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and family personnel from the Key West station.

"Their safety and security is a to priority," Bolivar said.

The Navy left about 60 personnel - considered "mission essential" - at the base to keep the place operating.

Those being evacuated are being sent to what the Navy calls a "designated safe haven" in this case, a place within 300 miles of Atlanta.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Pummels The Caribbean; Florida Could Be Next

Meanwhile, a similar evacuation operation is underway at other bases.

At the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, 166 non-essential personnel and family members and 97 pets are being airlifted from the facility off the Florida coast.

They are being transported to their designated safe haven.

"I've directed that when mandatory orders are issued by competent civilian authorities in Florida counties that could be impacted by Hurricane Irma, non-essential active duty military, civilian employees, drilling reservists and authorized dependents residing in those counties are authorized to evacuate," Bolivar added.

Whenever someone arrives at their safe haven, they are told to check in with the base or their command or through the Navy Family Accountability and Assistance System (NFAAS), a website used to keep track of everyone.

Bolivar said that as family and personnel head to their safe havens, they need to remember "please keep safety in mind.

"The interstate highway and other roads will be congested with other Florida residents moving away from the storm," Bolivar said.

"Be patient, follow the directions of local law enforcement officials and remember to muster when you reach safe haven."

The Navy says that all personnel are encouraged to update emergency contact information through the NFAAS, which can be accessed at www.navyfamily.navy.mil, or through the NFAAS smartphone app.

The app also allows personnel who need support to complete a needs assessment and a Navy counselor will make contact to provide assistance.

Emergency Family Assistance Centers will open after storm passage.

Personnel and family members are encouraged to check Facebook pages for their installation or Navy Region Southeast for the latest information and updates.

All photos provided by U.S. Navy, shot by Specialist 2nd Class Cody Babin.