Parade of Ships Kicks off Seattle Seafair Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-West, Detachment Northwest

SEATTLE (NNS) -- USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) kicked off the 61st annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week with the Parade of Ships, Aug. 4.

The annual celebration involves the U.S. Navy, along with the Canadian navy and U.S. Coast Guard, during which selected maritime ships sail into the Port of Seattle for the public to see.

Sailors have the opportunity to experience the sights of Seattle, and locals have the chance to meet Sailors and tour the participating ships.

"I think it was very interesting. It's fun to watch the ships go by and seeing the Sailors in their dress whites and the respect given to them," said Ann Spiegel of Yakima, Wash., who viewed the Parade of Ships from Pier 66. "The Parade of Ships is very touching, moving and inspiring for anyone who has a chance to see the parade."

As Navy Band Northwest played in the background, people from the Seattle area came out to witness the parade as the vessels from the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian navy sailed throughout Elliot Bay.

"The Parade of Ships was great, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It lets people know what the Navy ships look like and what they're about," said Jim Odom, a resident of Seattle.

"It's important that the people, the tax payers know what their money is buying and that they're getting a return on their investment," said Navy Region Northwest Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dave Bisson. "Our Navy stands ready to protect the mission and the interest of the United States. By us being here we can show them [the public] that the Sailors and crews of the ships are here to do just that."