SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- The 39th annual San Francisco Fleet Week kicked off Oct. 6 as ships arrived bringing U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coastguardsmen together with the city to celebrate the military sea services. This year is expected to be one of the largest San Francisco Fleet Weeks with eight ships and more than 2,300 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman participating.
“I would like to thank the San Francisco Fleet Week Association for putting together, what I think to be an amazing week to celebrate Fleet Week right here in San Francisco,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed at the opening press conference. “For 39 years we have been honored to host this opportunity to bring the incredible men and women of our military. From the Navy, to the Coast Guard, to the Marines, having you here is an absolute pleasure.”
During the San Francisco Fleet Week Oct. 7–14, the community and leaders will have a chance to welcome armed service members as they will participate in various events, such as, feeding the homeless, visiting local hospitals, volunteering at food banks, meeting with the elderly and participating in navy band performances. The Fleet Week also provides an opportunity to the community to visit naval vessels and view military equipment.
“I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to you, the residents and leaders, in San Francisco,” said Rear Admiral John E. Gumbleton, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, at the opening press conference. “Incredible hospitality for all the uniform men and women of the sea services during the week. 39 years city this has graciously opened its doors to our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team.”
Among the participating military components are the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25); Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000); Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59); Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18); Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52); the U.S. Coast Guard cutters Terrell Horne (WPC 1131) and Steadfast (WMEC 623); Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41); the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; I Marine Expeditionary Force; 1st Marine Logistics Group; Combat Logistics Battalion 15; 1st Medical Battalion; U.S. Coast Guard District 11; Navy Operational Support Center Alameda; Navy Recruiting District San Francisco; Expeditionary Strike Group Three; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; and Navy Region Southwest.
Leaders who had welcoming remarks at the opening press conference included Lewis Loeven, executive director, San Francisco Fleet Week Association; Rear Admiral Peter W. Gautier, commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District; Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management; Victor Wyrsch, deputy chief, San Francisco Fire Department, and Bill Scott, San Francisco Chief of Police.
The schedule is subject to change but is currently as follows:
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Pier 30/32, Pier 35
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Pier 30/32, Pier 35
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11
No tours, however the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. from Marina Green, Fort Mason, Aquatic Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and the Embarcadero.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Piers 30/32, 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 13
Pier 30/32, 15/17, 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 14
Pier 30/32, 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Prohibited items aboard include the following:
- Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers
- Camera tripods and cameras with lenses greater than 100 mm
- Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards
- Gang-related clothing
- Unmanned aerial systems
- Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons
- Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray
- Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
- Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia
- Electronic cigarettes
- Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)
- Strollers
- Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security
- Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled
Other free events for Fleet Week include the air show over the Marina Green Oct. 11, 12 and 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. and the “Honor our Fallen Concert” at the San Francisco Jazz Center Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information and events, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.
For more on San Diego Fleet Week, visit Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/SFFW2019.
Images are also available on the Navy Region Southwest Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NavyRegionSouthwest/
Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.
