Cargo moves on time despite quake.

The biggest earthquake to hit Seattle in more than 50 years was a sight to behold at the Port of Tacoma--but it did not interfere with cargo movement.

Three days later, a cargo movement of Puget Thunder equipment went out of the Port of Tacoma--right on schedule.

Several members of the Deployment Support Command's Readiness & Mobilization Division saw the Feb. 28 earthquake impact first hand.

"The gantry cranes swayed violently, the telephone poles whipped back and forth, and the ground shook and rolled liked foot-high waves on the open sea," said Maj. Darryl Daugherty, a training officer in the division.

Daugherty and Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Anderson were participating with the Seattle-based 1395th Transportation Brigade in the Puget Thunder Exercise, at the Pierce County Terminal at the Port of Tacoma. About 50 members of the 1395th were attending an operational briefing when the earthquake struck.

"As soon as we felt the floor start to shake, Maj. Daugherty yelled, `Earthquake!'" said Anderson.

The MTMC personnel quickly evacuated the building.

"It was a significant emotional event," said Daugherty. "We were blessed that no one here was hurt.

"It was absolutely amazing. The soldiers acted calmly and immediately assembled in formation about a hundred yards from the warehouse."

Phone lines were down. Several 1395th soldiers who lived within the earthquake damage area were allowed to go home to check for injury or damage.

Later, when Daugherty and Anderson got back to their hotel room in nearby Renton, they were surprised to find the structure open for business.

"Our hotel rooms had been inspected and we were told it was safe to enter them, but there was a lot of cosmetic damage," said Daugherty.

"Both our rooms had cracked walls, the TVs had fallen off the racks, and glassware and coffee pots were smashed on the floor. It was a real mess."