The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard return to the shores of South Florida to participate in the 22nd anniversary of Fleet Week Port Everglades, April 25-May 1. The Navy and Coast Guard vessels will begin arriving at 7:00 a.m.
More than 1,000 men and women of the armed forces will participate in the annual celebration of the maritime services, providing the citizens of South Florida an opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as learn first-hand about the multiple missions and roles our maritime services perform around the globe, such as supporting missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, humanitarian assistance and disaster response in countries such as Haiti and Japan, coastal search and rescue, interdiction and security. Throughout the globe the Navy, Marine and Coast Guard is our nation’s front line in war and peace, operating on, above and below the sea.
This year two Fort Lauderdale natives return home as Captains of their naval vessel. Having left South Florida for careers at sea, these Sailors will return home on the bridge as the Commanding Officer of the USS Wasp (Capt. Gary Boardman) and the USS Gettysburg (Capt. Robert N. Hein).
This year’s participating ships and units are:
Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) from Norfolk, Va.Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) from Norfolk, Va.Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) from Jacksonville, Fla.Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate USS DeWert (FFG 45) from Jacksonville, Fla.Los Angeles Class fast attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN-700) from New London, Ct.U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Weber from Station Chatham, Mass.U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Service members will participate in events throughout the South Florida region including community relations projects, a visit to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and a work day at Feeding South Florida.
Social events will be held throughout the week, including a kickoff party at Seminole Hard Rock courtyard on Wednesday, April 25th at 6 p.m., and a “Rock the Boat” Block Party at Himmarshee Village on Thursday, April 26th at 8 p.m. Members of the press are invited
Additional information on events that will be taking place during Port Everglades Fleet Week, click here to download the program.