Fleet Week is returning to form when it comes to San Francisco next month.
City and military officials held a news conference today to discuss the various events planned at this year’s Fleet Week, which will take place from Oct. 6-13.
The annual weeklong celebration of San Francisco’s history of military service and maritime tradition will again host the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels air show and the Parade of Ships, which were both canceled in 2013 because of federal budget cuts.
The Nay’s newest ship, the USS America, will be commissioned during the event.
Like last year’s toned-down Fleet Week, this year’s events will include training exercises to help local first responders and military service members prepare for and respond to emergencies.
This year’s joint activities will include urban search and rescue and medical trauma training and a senior leaders seminar.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said Fleet Week has transformed into more than just a time to pay tribute to members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Lee said the disaster response and emergency drills are becoming a more important part of the week and the exercises provide valuable training to first responders and armed service personnel.
“They are all part of what we believe may be absolutely necessary to save lives and prevent casualties should a major event come here,” he said.
For a complete list of Fleet Week events, visit www.fleetweeksf.org.
Dennis Culver, Bay City News
