Fleet Week Maryland Kicks Off in Baltimore

Photo By Justin Pacheco | 161012-N-NU281-367 BALTIMORE (Oct. 12, 2016) Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, Commander, Naval District Washington, gives remarks during a welcome ceremony for the kick off of Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore. This event provides the people and media of the greater Maryland/Baltimore area and opportunity to interact with Sailors and Marines, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities or today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin R. Pacheco/Released)  

BALTIMORE, MD, UNITED STATES

10.12.2016

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Ernest Scott 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore preserves the time-honored naval tradition of the city while highlighting the U.S. Navy’s newest initiatives such as the DDG 1000 and Energy and Environmental Exhibits.

With approximately 2,500 Sailors and Marines in attendance, 2016 marks the first time that the City of Baltimore has hosted a Navy Fleet Week. Throughout the week service members will meet with children from local schools, conduct ship tours, attend sporting events, participate in community service projects and enjoy the rich history of Baltimore.

“Maryland Fleet Week celebrates the rich Naval tradition of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, city of Baltimore. “We are deeply proud of this heritage and look forward to welcoming visitors from around the city, around the region, and from around the world.”

The U.S. Navy's newest and most technologically advanced surface ship PCU Zumwalt (DDG 1000) arrived in Locust Point, Oct. 7. As a part of the celebration, the guided-missile destroyer will be officially commissioned Oct. 15, ushering in a new era for the Navy.

“The Navy and Marine Corps team belongs to the American people,” said Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock, commander, Naval District Washington. “Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore is a great opportunity for us to show the people of Maryland who we are, what we do, and how committed we are to serving our nation.”

Other ships participating include guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (EPF 7), USNA Yard Patrol Craft, USCG District 5, and Canadian ships HMCS Athabascan (D 282) and HMCS Shawanigan (M 704). The U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ jets and other aircraft will be on display at Martin State Airport with an air show slated for Oct. 15 - 16 at Fort McHenry.

“We bleed blue and gold,” said retired Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Whitehead, a Pennsylvania resident who traveled to Baltimore for the event. “Navy week is a great way for us to say ‘thank you’ to our service members and honor our heritage.”

• Date Taken: 10.12.2016
• Date Posted: 10.13.2016 11:24
• Story ID: 211886
• Location: BALTIMORE, MD, US