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Seattle Seafair Fleet Week Concludes

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080804-08
Release Date: 8/4/2008 1:07:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

SEATTLE (NNS) -- The 59th annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week came to a close Aug. 4 when two Navy ships departed from Seattle's Pier 90.

Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) set sail early in the morning to return to their homeport in San Diego.

"Our biggest events for the Navy began [July 27] with the Torch Light Parade," said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest. "The Navy owes a big debt of gratitude to the Navy League, who coordinates so many of these events."

The Navy kicked off the week with a parade of ships in downtown Seattle's Elliott Bay and offered ship tours to the public on Pier 90 during their weeklong port visit as part of the Seafair Fleet Week celebration.

"The ride was really wonderful," said Linda Hinebauch, Germantown parade of ships passenger. "The public needs to see this firsthand and what our Sailors have to go through to man a ship like this. It's a very strong force in this country and I love it."

Sailors enjoyed discounts at various venues, many different Morale, Welfare and Recreation trips including whitewater river rafting, a Seattle Mariners baseball game, where two Sailors threw out the first pitch, a winery tour and a golf tournament.

"The Navy and Seattle have had a long-standing relationship and this is a continuation of what started many years ago," said Capt. David Melin, Princeton commanding officer.

Seafair is a month-long celebration of Seattle's rich sea culture, which culminates with hydroplane races and a Blue Angels air demonstration at Genesee Park on Lake Washington.

"I love it!" said Lois Fetters, Seafair participant. "This is the fourth time we have taken part of this and every time it's great to talk to the Sailors and just to be on a ship that I would never have the opportunity to see other than on [television]."

For more news from Comnmander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.