A securite (pronounced "say cure a tay") message on a VHF marine radio is a warning of a possible hazard, sort of like a heads up call, it is always repeated 3 times before the message is sent. Here in Southern California we hear a lot of securite calls as the US Navy issues them as warships move in and out of the harbors and as they conduct training exercises off of our coast. They are issued on VHF channel 16 (properly said as channel one six). Late yesterday afternoon we received the following securite broadcast; " securite, securite, securite, this is the United States Naval operations center on San Clemente Island, break. this a message to all vessels in the vicinity of San Clemente island. The southern end of San Clemente island is closed to all marine traffic, we will be conducting live ammunition exercises (read bombings) off of the southern end of San Clemente Island, all mariners are advised to stay 10 nautical miles off of San Clemente island and not to pass between warships and the coast of San Clemente (damm good advise), for any concerned traffic this is United States Naval Operations center monitoring channel 16, 12, 13 out.
Just to clear up any misconceptions resulting from my earlier blog regarding the Naval Security dude with the broken radio, the US Navy is a mariners friend, they are constantly keeping us up to date of their intensions and activities. Last night we spoke with 2-3 US warships on channel 16 as we worked our way home, they are ALWAYS friendly, polite, and ready to help. God bless the men and women and their families who service our country so selflessly.
This picture was taken as the sun set over San Clemente Island....just before the bombing started.