The amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) maneuvers through Elliot Bay to the Port of Seattle to participate in the 61st annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian Sailors to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio/Released)
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Charles Whetstine, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest
SEATTLE (NNS) -- USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) arrived in the Port of Seattle Aug. 3 for Seattle Seafair 2010.
Seattle Seafair is an annual summer celebration. The U.S. Navy, along with the Canadian navy and U.S. Coast Guard, participate in the event, during which selected ships sail into Seattle.
"Seafair is a great opportunity for Sailors to visit the great city of Seattle and interact with the public in a positive way," said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class (SW) Brian Macias assigned to the Kidd. "I'm really looking forward to some of the great events in Seattle that are open to Sailors, like the Mariners Military Appreciation Night."
There are various activities held throughout the week for the Sailors to participate in, but some plan to take advantage of being in the Seattle area and visiting with family and friends.
"I'm excited to see some of my friends from the area that I haven't seen in years," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Richard Hinkson. "I'm also looking forward to the boat races and air show at Lake Washington."
For some, the arrival meant preparing for the next evolution, which would be the "Parade of Ships." This event involves the ships taking on groups and giving them tours while the ships pull out and cruise the Elliot Bay area.
The community is also invited aboard the ships from Aug. 2 - 5 at the downtown Seattle Waterfront.
Sailors said they were pleased to have the opportunity to visit Seattle and will get a chance to not only show the colors of the U.S. Navy, but to enjoy themselves while in port.
"It's a beautiful city and my first time here. It was kind of a long transit, but I'm ready to go out and eat some seafood," Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW) John Polinard.
"I'm excited. I'm looking forward to getting out on liberty and seeing what Seattle has to offer. I might go find out what the Space Needle's all about," said Boatswain's Mate 1st (SW) Class John Cook.