A Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) hovers over the surface of Elliot Bay behind the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during a parade of ships in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Beckjord)The Navy and the city of Seattle celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet's visit to the Puget Sound, May 20.
Hundreds of Sailors, dignitaries, Navy officials and guests gathered on the Bell Harbor Rooftop Plaza at Pier 66 to watch USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and USS Preble (DDG 88), accompanied by a Navy hovercraft, in a traditional parade of ships through Seattle's Elliott Bay.
"It's truly a pleasure to be here today; this ceremony is a special tribute to the history of the U.S. Navy," said Bill Larson, president of the Seattle Council of the Navy League of the United States. "I want to recognize all the people in uniform present here today for their service to our nation."
In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet from Hampton Roads, Va., on a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate international goodwill.
For one Sailor, the ceremony and parade of ships was a fitting way to commemorate the Great White Fleet centennial.
"This is how we remember our naval history, and the city continues to honor the traditions of the Navy," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Erika Lamar, Navy Recruiting District Seattle. "I am excited about the Great White Fleet festivities that are happening in Seattle."
In recognition of the Great White Fleet's visit, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Larson presented a golden key to the city to Navy officials.
"Our city welcomes the Navy to the city," added Nickels. "I would like to say thank you to all the men and women who serve for our country to protect our city, our state and our nation."
In an official message, Secretary of the Navy, Donald C.Winter said that Theodore Roosevelt's idea to send a fleet of 16 U.S. battleships on a world tour was a dramatic gesture aimed at audiences both at home and abroad.
"To the world, the message was that the United States had arrived as a significant world power, outward-looking, and filled with goodwill towards every nation," said Winter. "To the public of this great country, the message was that you have a Navy to be proud of, and that the strength of the U.S. Navy is a primary source of our status as a nation of influence and power."
The centennial celebration of the Great White Fleet's visit to the Puget Sound coincided with Bremerton's Armed Forces Day parade May 17. In addition to USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) and Bremerton's Great White Fleet commemoration, six other crews from submarines homeported in the Northwest sharing names with battleships of the Great White Fleet participated in celebrations in 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 and USS Alabama (SSBN 731) in Seattle.
The Seattle Great White Fleet celebration will continue with a gala May 21, aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship Rushmore, pierside in Seattle.
Naval historical file photo of the Great White Fleet. In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet on a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate international goodwill. U.S. Navy photo