Fleet Week Port Everglades Kicks Off

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Fleet Week Port Everglades Public Affairs

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (NNS) -- The Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011 official ship greeting and an all hands on deck party took place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., April 25.

The festivities were the first community events for the more than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen in the Fort Lauderdale for the week-long event.

Hosted by Broward Navy Days, local Navy leagues, city and county officials, and sponsored by Humana Military Healthcare Services, the ship greeting reception included food and a traditional plaque exchange between Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 and participating South Florida organizations.

"It is an honor to be here, and we thank the community for having us," said Rear Adm. Herman Shelanski, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. "Shipmates, have a great week and tell everyone you meet, who you are and what you do."

More than 1,000 service members from the 11 visiting commands and more than 50 South Florida community members attended the all hands on deck welcoming party where city and country officials including Fort Lauderdale Mayor John "Jack" Seiler and Vice Mayor of Dania Beach Anne Castro, honored the Enlisted Persons of the Year from each participating ship. Following the brief ceremony, a traditional ship roll call took place.

Community official and Chairwoman of Broward Navy Days Mary Anne Gray said the community could not be happier to have the U.S. sea services in Fort Lauderdale for fleet week again.

"We look forward to this event every year because we want to honor our servicemen and women," said Gray. "We get to meet great people who serve selflessly everyday to keep this country safe, and we want them to have a great time and show them the appreciation they deserve."

Phil Madow, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino president, also thanked service members before providing a free buffet dinner. Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Michael Holloway said this gesture was indicative of the hospitality he felt from South Florida community members since arriving only a few hours earlier.

"I have never been to a fleet week before, so this is a really cool experience for me and to be able to come to south Florida makes it that much better," said Holloway, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va. "The people here are so welcoming to us already, so I know this is going to be a fun and exciting week."

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011. The week-long celebration of the sea services honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition, and also provides the sea services an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of surface platforms, equipment and the skills of the men and women serving aboard these vessels.

For more information on Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, visit the Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Center's Navy NewsStand page at https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/nrse/.

Media outlets interested in covering Fleet Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Blyth at 202-270-8136.