Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

By: Third Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO – Six U.S. Navy ships from the U.S. Third Fleet area of operations are scheduled to visit San Francisco to participate in the 30th annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 7-12.

The Third Fleet ships include the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), mine countermeasure ship USS Chief (MCM 14) and fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200).

San Francisco Fleet Week 2011 (SFFW 11) is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and to experience the best of the sea services. More than 9,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are scheduled to participate in SFFW 11 to celebrate the shared maritime history of the naval services and the Bay Area. This event will showcase naval personnel, equipment, technology and capabilities with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR).

2011 is a banner year for Naval Aviation as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of flight. From its inception, Naval Aviation has been a "Global Force for Good," as a symbol of power, and a force for stability in an increasingly unstable and interconnected world. Naval Aviation is involved in a range of military operations around the globe, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief anywhere, anytime – to help American citizens and citizens of the world.

Expanding further on the HA/DR emphasis is the second-iteration Senior Leadership Seminar (SLS) which brings together leaders from local, regional, State and Federal agencies to present their capabilities and create a partnership to respond to a disaster in the Bay Area. The SLS provides senior Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard leaders an excellent opportunity to interact with their local, State and Regional counterparts that are involved in disaster preparedness and response.

There will be several opportunities to interview the crew and leadership of the various ships during Fleet Week. Key events include the SLS, an HA/DR-themed static display area at the Marina Green, Urban Search & Rescue Training involving SFPD, SFFD, Sailors and Marines at Treasure Island, the Parade of Ships, Battle of the Bands in Golden Gate Park, and Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard participation in the Italian Heritage Day Parade and the San Francisco 49ers Military Salute game. Additionally, the Blue Angels will perform along the waterfront.

U.S. Third Fleet area of responsibility includes 50 million square miles of the Eastern and Northern Pacific ocean areas including the Bering Sea, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and sectors of the arctic. Third Fleet measures its success by the readiness and combat efficiency of the Fleet and the extent to which it is connected and interoperable with domestic partners, international partners and allies.

For further information about San Francisco Fleet Week, please see the official website www.fleetweek.us