Navy ships on the eastern seaboard were setting sail to avoid any possible damage that could come with the arrival of Hurricane Irene, US Fleet Forces Command said yesterday.

Nine ships were already at sea and a remaining 27 were to get to the same point by Thursday afternoon, the command said on Facebook.

“With 9 ships already at sea, 27 ships will sortie with an additional 28 ships remaining in safe haven,” the post said.

Irene was expected to hit the northeast seaboard this weekend.