PORTLAND, Ore. (June 10, 2019) - Rose Festival Fleet Week 2019 came to a close as U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy ships departed Portland, Oregon, after a week of festivities throughout the city and along the waterfront, June 10.
During their stay, Sailors aboard the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), inland buoy tender USCG Bluebell (WLI 313), medium endurance cutter USCG Steadfast (WMEC 623), USCG Terrapin (WPB 87366) were able to showcase their ships to the public through ship tours along the Tom McCall waterfront.
Ship tours provided the public with an opportunity to come aboard, meet Sailors, learn about the ships, and understand their mission in relation to national defense. Some tours were provided to representatives of several Oregon police departments and sheriff’s offices, Transportation Security Administration, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
“I loved the tour on the Independence,” said Elysa Wilson, TSA Explosive Detection Canine handler and native of Portland. “It was very informative and I truly enjoyed it. This is my third year supporting Portland’s Fleet Week with other safety and security entities, adding that extra layer of security for everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities.”
Sailors stationed aboard these ships and from various commands throughout the Pacific Northwest, also traveled ashore to visit shops, restaurants and local attractions, as well as interact with members of the public throughout the city.
“This was my first time to Portland Fleet Week,” said Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Francisco J. Hernden, assigned to USS Independence and native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. “The love that the community gave us was very welcoming, and it was great to see all the positive support.”
Fleet Week is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Oregon to meet Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
"Portland Fleet Week was a tremendous success, and we were able to showcase the sea services, the men and women who serve and build lasting relationships with the community," said Rear Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Region Northwest. "Without the continuous support of our local communities, we could not provide combat-ready forces, preserve freedom of the seas, and promote peace and security. Thank you to the outstanding people of Oregon for your support of the Navy; it was an honor for us to be part of this year's Rose Festival."
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2019 15:57 |
| Story ID: | 326758 |
| Location: | PORTLAND, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Navy Ships Depart Portland, Fleet Week Ends, by CPO Eva-Marie Ramsaran, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
