The 101st annual Rose Festival’s Fleet Week came to a close, June 9, when the four U.S. Navy vessels who participated in this
year’s Rose Festival sailed out from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s in downtown Portland.
Guided-missile cruiser, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57); guided-missile frigate, USS Gary (FFG 51); and guided-missile destroyers
USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Preble (DDG 88); departed Portland in the early morning as hundreds of appreciative citizens gathered
at the pier to wave goodbye to the ship’s crew.
“It’s really a great opportunity for the people of Portland to actual see what the Navy does and more importantly, get chance to
interact with Sailors,” said 3rd Fleet Command Master Chief (SS/SW) Mark Rudes. “I’m really appreciative of the city of Portland for
allowing us to be here and showing us such great hospitality.”
For Portland native, Jack Wallace, seeing the Navy was the highlight of this year’s Rose Festival.
“Seeing the ships enter the harbor with all of those Sailors in their uniforms manning the rails was just an incredible sight,” said
Wallace. “We normally don’t get to see much Navy around the area, so just being able to tour their boats and chit-chat with those Sailors
was quite memorable.”
The Navy vessels offered ship tours to the general public, registering more than 7,000 visitors during the four-day port visit as
part of the fleet week celebration. Some of Rose Festival’s Fleet Week Festivities aimed at Sailors included discounts at various
venues, a waterfront carnival, free tours around town and the Grand Floral Parade showcasing the Navy.
According to Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Corey Sommer, returning to his home town of Portland was the only activity he
needed.
“All my shipmates are checking out the town, shopping, doings things you would do at an unfamiliar port, but for me just being
reunited with my family is my own personal celebration,” said Sommer.
The festival began in 1907 and next year’s Rose Festival will mark the 102nd annual celebration.
“It was my first time to Portland and I am extremely grateful to get the chance to experience the Rose Festival,” said Fire Controlman
1st Class (SW) Brandon Davis, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57). “The people of Portland really opened their arms to us. I’ve never felt so
welcomed in a city before, this is event I’ll never soon forget.”