Swarms of people will gather at San Francisco's waterfront this weekend to see the ships and aircraft at the city's annual Fleet Week celebration, while others may be taken aback by the low-flying aerobatic planes jetting through the city.
At a news conference today, Mayor Gavin Newsom joined U.S. military officials and organizers of the event to announce the lineup of the 28th annual Fleet Week, which includes a parade of ships, ship tours, a flight show with demonstrations by the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration team the Blue Angels and more.
Newsom said the event allows participants to understand the city's naval history and provides the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices made by the large number of veterans of the U.S. military who live in the Bay Area. Capt. Kevin Mannix, flight leader and commanding officer of the Blue Angels, said at the news conference, "San Francisco has a long history with the U.S. Navy."
On Thursday, the Blue Angels will take to the sky for a practice flight between 1 and 5 p.m. and a practice air show will be held Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. with the Blue Angels scheduled to fly at 3 p.m.
The parade of Fleet Week ships will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday and ship tours will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday.
Featured ships include the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship, the U.S.S. Pinckney, U.S. Navy class guided missile destroyer and U.S. Coast Guard Bertholf. Ships will dock at Piers 19, 27 and 30 through 32.
In addition to the Blue Angels, aerobatic pilots Sean Tucker, Tim Weber and John Piggot and the Canadian Snowbirds, a demonstration team of members from the Canadian Forces, will also participate in the air show.
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The event also features celebrations at Aquatic Park, Marina Green and Crissy Field.
Optional premium box seats for Saturday or Sunday at the Marina Green are available for $25 and club seats may be purchased for $150 for an adult or $75 for a child.
For more information on Fleet Week, visit www.fleetweek.us.
