LA Fleet Week Kicks Off

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse Monford | 170829-N-GZ228-097 LOS ANGELES (Aug. 29, 2017) San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) transits the Port of Los Angeles as part of the 2nd annual Los Angeles Fleet Week. LA Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members will participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and surrounding areas have to offer. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Monford/Released)  

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

08.29.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Curtis Spencer 

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet           

LOS ANGELES - Amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Scout (MCM 8) and Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) steamed into Los Angeles Aug. 29 for the second annual Los Angeles Fleet Week, held Aug. 30-Sept. 4.

The six-day celebration offers the public an opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how military personnel support the national defense of the United States and freedom of the seas.

“As your mayor, as a naval officer myself, it’s a big thrill for me to do this,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at a press conference Aug. 29. “Fleet week is a great way to connect with our United States Navy. We get to see the courage, the bravery, the skills, and the unmatched ability of the men and women who defend this nation.”

Rear Adm. Cathal O’Connor, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, said he is thankful for the opportunity the city provides to showcase the sea services.

“The unmatched display of hospitality, friendship, and support dates back since the U.S. Navy ships arrived on the West Coast more than a century ago. I am personally grateful for the support you show the sea services each and every day, and I am especially proud to include USS Pasadena (SSN 752) in this year’s fleet week, honoring the city of Pasadena for which she was named,” said O’Connor.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618), slated to arrive Aug. 30, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 respectively, will also be participating in Fleet Week.

Additionally, forces from 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) 1, Navy Region Southwest, and U.S. Coast Guard District 11 will be in attendance.

More than 1,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members will participate in Los Angeles Fleet Week to celebrate the rich history of America's naval forces. The event welcomes thousands of people for ship tours, live music, equipment demonstrations.

Throughout the week, service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community, while participating in a number of community relations projects, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exposition and static displays.

For more news on Los Angeles Fleet Week, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/losangelesfleetweek.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.facebook.com/ThirdFleet/ or www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2017
• Date Posted: 08.30.2017 01:54
• Story ID: 246497
• Location: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, US