The 36th annual Fleet Week kicked off October 1st and will run through Monday, October 9th on the Marina Green. This annual cavalcade of ships, jaw-dropping air show and community events have become an integral part of San Francisco's culture, attracting millions of attendees while being heralded as the model for Fleet Week events across the United States. Entry to the festival is free, but premium tickets to the Air Show are available.
Fleet Week began in 1981 when then Mayor Dianne Feinstein celebrated our nation's military sea services. This public event continues to pay tribute to those who bravely serve in and contribute to our Armed Forces. The event also joins together military and civilian forces to advance cooperation and knowledge in critical humanitarian assistance.
One of the main attractions of fleet week is the Air Show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Snowbirds. Three of the six pilots are from the Bay Area, including Fremont native, Navy Lieutenant Damon Cruz. "To do it as part of this incredible team, to inspire the next generation, I'm taking some great pride in that," said Cruz.
Photo credits sacmag.com
The Parade of Ships begins this morning at 11am as they sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the waterfront. Visitors will be able to explore a variety of cruisers, destroyers, and amphibious carriers docked at the Embarcadero, getting a first-hand look into how U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and Canadian Navy sailors live and work. All ship tours are free and open to the public.
Photo credit Purple Orchid
The event line up for this weekend is listed below:
Friday October 6th
- Parade of Ships 11am
- Fleet Week Air Show
- USACE MV John A.B. Dillard
- The United Airlines Festival Center on Marina Green
Saturday October 7th
- HMCS Winnipeg FFH 338
- USCGC Stratton
- USS Champion MCM 4
- USS Essex LHD 2
- AT&T K-9 Heros: Bark at the Park
- MV Cape Horn (TAKR 5068)
- The United Airlines Festival Center on Marina Green
- Fleet Week Air Show
Sunday October 8th
- HMCS Winnipeg FFH 338
- USCGC Stratton
- USS Champion MCM 4
- USS Essex LHD 2
- The United Airlines Festival Center on Marina Green
- Fleet Week Air Show
Monday October 9th
- HMCS Winnipeg FFH 338
- USCGC Stratton
- USS Champion MCM 4
- USS Essex LHD 2
- High School Band Challenge
The Humanitarian Assistance Village includes four camps focusing on aspects of disaster response. Each camp offers interactive demonstrations and educational programs about the capabilities of the United States Military and associated civilian organizations during a catastrophe. Attendees receive a stamp in their passport from each camp they attend.
For more information about Fleet Week events as well as parking, visit the Fleet Week website.
