SEATTLE – Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) will be in Seattle for Seafair as part of the annual festival’s Fleet Week, marking the return of the U.S. Navy to Seafair after missing the event in 2013.
The three Navy ships, along with two Royal Canadian Navy ships, and one U.S. Coast Guard vessel, will be in Seattle to celebrate Seafair Fleet Week, a summer tradition in the Pacific Northwest since 1950. The vessels will be in the city offering public tours and participating in the annual festivities.
The Seattle visit offers the public an opportunity to tour aboard the ships and meet Sailors as they showcase the ships’ capabilities. It also gives citizens a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the Maritime Strategy and national defense of the United States.
The Fleet will participate in the Parade of Ships in Elliott Bay on Wednesday, July 30 starting at approximately 10:00 a.m. Ships will be open for public tours July 31 through Aug. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for tours may vary by ship, from day-to-day. More information will be released on exact times for each day as Fleet Week grows closer.
When arriving for public tours, all visitors will be required to present a photo ID and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships. All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the security zone. Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour, and are recommended to wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes.
Prohibited items aboard include the following:
- 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/or drug-related paraphernalia
- Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)
Media Opportunities
During the ships’ visit to Seattle, media are encouraged to contact Liane Nakahara and Missy Anderson at (360) 396-1630 regarding access to the ships, to arrange interviews with Sailors or to request other related information.
There will be an opportunity to interview key Seafair Fleet Week personnel in the month leading up to Fleet Week, and also at a press conference on July 29.
All media require escort within the security perimeter at the pier and aboard the ships at all times. Access to U.S. Navy ships must be arranged with Navy Public Affairs prior to arriving at the security checkpoints. Media should be prepared to present two forms of identification: one from their affiliation and one government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.