The 59th annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week came to a close Aug. 4 when the two U.S. Navy vessels who participated in this year’s Seafair departed from Seattle’s Pier 90.
Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) set sail early in the morning to go back to their homeport in San Diego.
“Our biggest events for the Navy began (July 27) with the Torchlight Parade,” said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander Navy Region Northwest. “I got to ride with my wife in a Corvette and we were right in front of the Navy Band and the other services represented as well. The Navy owes a big debt of gratitude to the Navy League, who coordinates so many of these events.”
The Navy vessels kicked off the week with a parade of ships in downtown Seattle’s Elliott Bay and then offered ship tours to the public on Pier 90 during their week-long port visit as part of the Seafair Fleet Week celebration.
“The ride was really wonderful,” said Linda Hinebauch, Germantown parade of ships passenger. “The public needs to see this firsthand and what our Sailors have to go through to man a ship like this. It’s a very strong force in this country and I love it.”
Sailors enjoyed discounts at various venues, many different Morale, Welfare and Recreation trips including white water river rafting, a Seattle Mariners baseball game, where two Sailors got to throw out the first pitch, a winery tour and a golf tournament.
“The Navy and Seattle have had a long standing relationship and this is a continuation of what started many years ago,” said Capt. David Melin, Princeton commanding officer.
There were also daily luncheons where Sailors where honored in many ways for their efforts at sea.
“Seafair is important to me because we get to show the local community that the Navy is alive and well and very capable,” said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Shannon Thornton, Princeton command master chief. “It’s important to the Navy that the community understands that we are here and we are here to protect their borders.”
Seafair is a month long celebration of Seattle’s rich sea culture, which culminates with hydroplane races and a Blue Angels air demonstration at Genesee Park on Lake Washington.
“I love it!,” said Lois Fetters, Seafair participant. “This is the fourth time we have taken part of this and every time it’s great to talk to the Sailors and just to be on a ship that I would never have the opportunity to see other than on TV. Seafair is about the sea and traditionally the Navy has always had a presence. It wouldn’t be the same without the Navy. I hope they continue to do this because we always enjoy it.”