SAN DIEGO – Marines and sailors from bases throughout Southern California boarded USS Makin Island for the transit north to take part in San Francisco Fleet Week 2010.
The service members are part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and are taking part in a weeklong celebration of the naval services hosted by the city of San Francisco. This celebration includes displays of the Corps’ humanitarian assistance and warfighting gear, community-outreach projects, parades, tours, band performances, education seminars and athletic competitions.
“Our focus during Fleet Week is to display and demonstrate the Marine Corps’ ability to provide assistance domestically should San Francisco or any other community require it,” said Col. Michael Hudson, commanding officer of the 11th MEU and San Francisco native. “Sharing our professions with the citizens and giving our Marines and Sailors the opportunity to enjoy this great city is a winning combination.”
“This is the first time Marines have embarked Makin Island, and it’s been great for both sides,” said Hudson. “The MEU will be deploying on the Makin Island next fall, so operating as a ship-based Marine Air Ground Task Force is an excellent training opportunity. Getting to do it in front of our countrymen in a venue like San Francisco enriches the experience.”
The MEU has been working closely with the Fleet Week Committee and city of San Francisco for months to ensure this year’s event shows all the naval services have to offer while keeping it informative and family friendly.
The MEU’s mission is to provide a rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and enhanced maritime interdiction operations from the sea, by surface or air.