SAN FRANCISCO – The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived at pier 30/32 in San Francisco today, kicking off the 37th annual San Francisco Fleet Week, which runs Oct. 1 through 10.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WHEC 726), and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) will also be in San Francisco for this year’s celebration.
More than 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members will participate in San Francisco Fleet Week 2017 to celebrate the rich history of America's naval forces and the Bay Area. The engagement highlights naval personnel, equipment, technology, and capabilities, with an emphasis on Defense Support of Civil Authorities exercises and medical capabilities.
The eight-day celebration offers the public opportunities to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard members and gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how maritime forces support the national defense of the United States and freedom of the seas.
The event welcomes thousands of people for ship tours, live music, equipment demonstrations, and air shows featuring the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels, Oct. 6 through 8. Throughout the week, service members have the opportunity to interact with the local community, and to participate in community service projects.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy and constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions that promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the Pacific.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.