By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) lead the parade of ships.
SEATTLE (NNS) -- Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) kicked off the 59th annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week July 30 with the parade of ships.
"The parade of ships is very touching, moving and inspiring for Americans who have a chance to see the parade," said Jerilyn Brusseau, Seattle Rotary, who viewed the parade of ships from Pier 66. "It was nice to tap into things you don't get to see every day. I appreciate, so much, the service of young men and women who have a purpose greater than ourselves. I wouldn't miss this."
Princeton and Germantown, followed by Coast Guard and Canadian ships, cruised around Elliott Bay and passed Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront.
"Seafair is a long-standing festival that goes back to 1941 here in Seattle, and throughout its history they have made a point of including the Navy and ships in the Festival," said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander Navy Region Northwest. "The parade of ships marked the official arrival of the fleet."
The parade left Pier 90, where the ships are moored for Seafair, with hundreds of passengers who requested to ride the ships in the parade.
"The parade of ships is important because it's an increase in public awareness," said Cmdr. Chris Phillips, commander, Navy Recruiting District Seattle. "By increasing public awareness, people are asking questions to me and other dignitaries around here as to what the Navy is about and why they are here. I think it's a good thing just to be able to talk to the public."
The parade of ships made a trip around the Puget Sound before passing through Elliott Bay and Pier 66 with Princeton leading the parade and firing off an aft cannon, saluting the citizens of Seattle.
"The parade of ships was great, I enjoyed every minute of it," said Melvin Bratley, Germantown passenger. "I haven't been on a ship like this before and it gave me a chance to see our service men and women in action and it gives me a perspective of what they have to do in giving service to our country. It's great to be able to meet some of these Sailors."