Seattle's Great White Fleet Celebration Concludes
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080523-07
Release Date: 5/23/2008 12:01:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Ysog Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
SEATTLE (NNS) -- The 100th annual Great White Fleet centennial celebration came to a close May 22, when two U.S. Navy ships sailed out of Elliot Bay.
USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) spent a two day port call in Seattle, to participate in the Great White Fleet festivities. Preble and Rushmore participated in the traditional Parade of Ships and the community was also invited aboard the ships for a public tour.
"I am glad to have a chance to visit a new city and be here to celebrate an important part of our naval traditions," said Operations Specialist Seaman Christina Boyles, a Rushmore Sailor. "Being in Seattle for a couple days was a great break from being at sea and I am glad I could be part of this celebration."
The Great White Fleet celebration included a gala held aboard Rushmore and Navy Band concerts.
Prior to Preble's and Rushmore's arrival May 20, seven crews from submarines sharing names with ships of the Great White Fleet participated in celebrations May 17, at various Washington cities: USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in Bellingham, USS Ohio (SSGN 726) in Port Angeles, USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) in Port Townsend, USS Maine (SSBN 741) in Tacoma, USS Alabama (SSBN 731) in Seattle and the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) in Bremerton.
"We hare here to honor the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet sailing and arriving here in the Puget Sound," said Cmdr. Todd Massidda, commanding officer of Alabama. "The namesake of USS Alabama is a name among the fleet that sailed here years ago, and we are here to honor their voyage."
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrne.
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