USS Iowa fires guns to signal L.A. Fleet Week
Mayor Eric Garcetti and U.S. Navy officials today kicked off the first annual LA Fleet Week at the LA Waterfront. LA Fleet Week is being held over Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, with active military ships beginning to arrive today at the Port of Los Angeles. The free, multi-day event will include a full slate of activities for the entire family.
"I am honored to welcome the United States Navy to Los Angeles and as a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, proud to see my shipmates at America's Port," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "LA Fleet Week is an incredible opportunity for Angelenos to learn more about our armed forces and the awesome vessels that sail the world in our defense. It is a rare opportunity to express our gratitude to some of the most brave and committed Americans, tour ships, visit exhibits, and enjoy free activities at the LA Waterfront."
Fleet Week is a United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships recently deployed in overseas operations dock at seven major port cities for one week.
"We are incredibly proud to bring your Navy to Los Angeles," said Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, Commander of the U.S. Navy Third Fleet. "It's important for us to connect the community with their Navy and I am extremely grateful for all of the effort that went into creating this Fleet Week. I would encourage everyone to come see the ships and aircraft but, most importantly, please talk with the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen here this week. We're blessed to have these talented young men and women serving their country in uniform."
LA Fleet Week is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and more than 1,500 military personnel to the LA Waterfront. Events include free concerts, aircraft flyovers, ship tours, and a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) expo.
"The LA Waterfront has come a long way from its role as an exclusively industrial port," said Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. "The addition of the Battleship Iowa, Crafted at the Port of LA, the new Catalina Express terminal, and the upcoming redevelopment of the Ports O' Call site makes the LA Waterfront a natural and obvious choice for expanding the Fleet Week concept. We hope to host Fleet Week for many years to come."
Hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, LA Fleet Week event partners include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy League, U.S. Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, USO, Downtown San Pedro Business Improvement District, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and Battleship Iowa. LA Fleet Week is made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including media partner Comcast NBCUniversal.
"I am proud to be co-chairing alongside Mayor Eric Garcetti Los Angeles' first ever Fleet Week, which brings our country's servicemen and women to our great city," said Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal and Co-Chair of LA Fleet Week. "On behalf of Comcast NBCUniversal we are pleased to be a part of this historic week."
Like other Fleet Week events, LA Fleet Week will also include Defense Support to Civil Authorities meetings between the Navy and local first-responders, as well as U.S. Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Leaders from local, regional, state, federal, and select private sector agencies will discuss disaster response capabilities, broaden working relationships, and encourage cooperative emergency planning.
For more information about LA Fleet Week activities, visit www.lafleetweek.com.