LA Fleet Week officially launched Friday morning, May 25, under cloudy skies in San Pedro, drawing early groups of people eager to tour the three visiting Navy ships — and one Coast Guard cutter — and take in all the displays arrayed at the main expo near the Battleship Iowa.
“There’s so much to see,” said Susie King of Glendale.
She and her partner, Ed Savage, attended last year’s LA Fleet Week and made sure to mark it on their 2023 calendar.
“I love the military,” Savage said, “and we had a great time last year.”
Arrayed in the Outer Harbor of the Port of Los Angeles were the USS Cincinnati, the USS Princeton and the USS Ashland, all open for pubic tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, as well as throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Cmdr. Robert Burke, commanding officer of the USS Cincinnati, said all three ships are examples of the advanced technology used by today’s Navy.
A strong Navy, he said, is as “important as ever.” All three ships have the ability to handle aircraft as well.
Visitors to the Navy ships also get a look at what the life of a sailor onboard the vessels is like, he said.
Scott Stewart of Seal Beach said the tours of the Cincinnati and Princeton that he and his wife took offered some “amazing” history. The technology and armament was impressive too.
At the main expo venue, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., morning crowds began flowing in early, taking in the many displays of equipment — including a “Top Gun”-worthy attack helicopter (the AH-1Z Viper) — operated by the Navy, Marines and Army. The personal interactions between military personnel and the public are among the highlights emphasized during Fleet Week events.
There were bomb detection robots, specialty vehicles and a mobile outdoor gym on display. At the gym, U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Dayhon Wheeler and fellow Marines from Camp Pendleton “spotted” and assisted youngsters eager to test their own strength.
Marine helicopter mechanic…
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