Parade of Ships Makes Grand Entrance During San Francisco Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason J. Perry, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines celebrated San Francisco Fleet Week 2010 (SSFW) with the parade of ships Oct. 9.

Several ships participated in the procession, including USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), HMCS Brandon (MM 710), HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705), USCGC Active (WMEC 618), USS Chief (MCM 14), USS Curts (FFG 38), PTF-26 Liberty, and SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a World War II liberty ship.

"I think it was really incredible that these ships came here today," said Sea Cadet James Williams. "I even saw some Canadian ships, and the whole thing was really cool."

San Francisco Fleet Week 2010 (SFFW 10) took place Oct. 7-12 and showcased more than 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and their equipment, along with advanced military technology and capabilities, while highlighting the history these services have with San Francisco.

"Our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are a rapidly deployable, technologically advanced team that is poised for action in a variety of roles as part of our nation's joint force," said commander, U.S. Third Fleet, Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt. "We continue to provide America persistent and decisive combat power wherever called upon."

Fleet week is an annual event that gives members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard an opportunity to share their operational capabilities with the local community.

Operated by a crew of more than 1,000 Sailors, Makin Island is a multi-mission platform that is equipped to meet the needs of the country, from supporting national objectives to providing much needed relief to a disaster area.

Makin Island's revolutionary technology is estimated to save the Navy $250 million throughout its 40-year lifecycle and is a model for future ship designs.

This article was sponsored by Police Books.