A parade of military ships sailed into South Florida on Wednesday morning, packed with members of the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as part of the 23rd annual Fleet Week.
The annual event draws big crowds to Port Everglades each year.
INFO: Fleet Week events
The USS San Jacinto is a Navy guided-missile cruiser boasting two guns that fire 5-inch shells, an Aegis combat system and 122 missile cells. It is one of five ships taking part in Fleet Week.
Sky 10 was overhead as the impressive array of marine firepower sailed into port, including a Los Angeles class attack submarine and a high-speed Coast Guard cutter. About 2,500 sailors aboard these ships will be descending on Fort Lauderdale, and they are excited and proud to be here.
"Show the people who pay our salaries, that buy all these giant pieces of hardware, what they are getting," said Capt. Robert Heim, of the USS Gettysburg.
The biggest and most versatile warship in port this week is the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship that can move Marines and America's military might to the doorstep of the enemy.
"It's 844 feet long. It's 40,000 tons, 70,000 shaft horsepower, a crew of a thousand," said Capt. Gary Boardman, of the USS Wasp. "It carries 1,800 Marines, 31 aircraft, six of which are jets."
For Boardman, this Fleet Week is a very special one. He has spent 27 years in the Navy, but he is originally from Fort Lauderdale.
VIDEO: Fleet Week a homecoming for one sailor
"Coming in the cut today was a homecoming for me, and I look forward to seeing a lot of my friends that I grew up with and went to high school with," Boardman said.
Boardman, a Nova High School graduate, got his sea legs fishing out of Fort Lauderdale and working on tugs at Port Everglades. Decades later, he has returned to his home port in grand style.
"I've got the biggest boat now of all the Fort Lauderdale guys," Boardman said.
The career officer said he was excited to learn his ship would be the lead ship at this year's Fleet Week.
"It's great to bring this crew to my hometown and show off my crew, this crew, to this city," he said.
Boardman will be busy conducting tours of his vessel and meeting with dignitaries, but he is also hoping to slip away and take a trip down memory lane.
"If I get the opportunity to go fishing, I want to go fishing. There are a couple good restaurants I haven't been to in a while, like the Rustic Inn," he said.
Boardman isn't the only one looking forward to spending some time in South Florida. Many of the 2,500 sailors aboard all the ships are anxious to enjoy the port of call.
"I am excited," said Bosun's Mate Tejon Robinson. "Where I am from, there are no palm trees, clear water and dolphins and parasailing and all this type of stuff, so it is a new experience for me. I like it."
On Wednesday afternoon, an F-16 Thunderbird did a fly-by on Fort Lauderdale Beach, letting sunbathers know the Air and Sea Show is returning this year. This weekend will be an all-out aerial show of America's military might.
