• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Wasp Plays Host for Sail Virginia 2007

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070613-06
Release Date: 6/13/2007 10:46:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Pamela Coxe, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Naval vessels, along with more than 50 national and international tall ships, character ships representing the 13 original colonies and military vessels, set sail June 8 to take part in Sail Virginia 2007 in a parade up the Elizabeth River in Hampton Roads to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

More than 130 yachts from various clubs also joined the procession with the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) serving as the primary viewing platform hosting hundreds of honored guests, military personnel and city officials. Ships from Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands and Uruguay traveled to Hampton Roads for the event.

The six-day event combined with the 31st annual Norfolk Harborfest celebration and featured a variety of live entertainment on six stages, outdoor eateries and fireworks.

Bleachers were set up on Wasp for guests to sit and get a close look as the ships sailed by. Many people also took advantage of the ship tours and static displays. U.S. Fleet Forces Command Band played music while guests watched the parade. Two F-18 Hornets flew over in honor of the event, which also included a 17-gun salute.

“My son wants to go into the military, and we came out to enjoy the festivities,” said Chela Rice, who watched the parade from Wasp.

Sailors lined the flight deck, rendering honors as dozens of ships sailed by.

“We wanted to do something nice for the people and special guests,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler 3rd Class (AW) Rocio Luna.

Ships of old and new traveled together along the beaches of Ocean View, passed Naval Station Norfolk, up the Elizabeth River and ended at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk.

Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, served as guest speaker and gave the crowd a brief lesson on the nautical history of Hampton Roads.

“It was through these waters that English entrepreneurs (arrived),” he said, as he reflected on the rich history the event was designed to commemorate.

English settlers with three ships and a crew of 144 set out from England and landed in Jamestown May 14, 1607, to establish the Virginia English colony on the banks of the James River, 60 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

“(The parade of ships) is really a wonderful event that celebrates the traditions and history of our nation,” said Roughead.

Roughead went on to acknowledge the men and women in uniform without whom, he said, there would be no Navy.

He also thanked the community for their military support.

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim echoed Roughead’s sentiments, thanking the Navy for all that they do.

“The City of Norfolk, its heritage is intertwined with the United States Navy and with international trade,” said Fraim. “This is our opportunity to help celebrate the founding of Jamestown and renew our ties to the military and our naval and maritime heritage.”