Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, crewing five ships arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, kicking off the 28th annual Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale, April 30.

The Wasp-class amphibious warfare ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with the littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) are set to represent the Navy in the weeklong event.

The U.S Coast Guard cutters USCGC Confidence (WMEC 619), USCGC Robert Yered (WPC 1104) and USCGC Willow are representing the Coast Guard during the celebration.

"It's a unique opportunity for us to show the community what we do and how we do it," said Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2. "It's an opportunity to give back to the community so that they have a relationship with these Sailors and Marines who are [aboard] these ships. It's also an opportunity for the Sailors and Marines to enjoy your city and all of the hospitality that you have."

Throughout the duration of Fleet Week Port Everglades, servicemembers will have the opportunity to participate in various community relations events.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for the sailors to enjoy this weather and everything this community has to offer," Skillman said. "It's mutually beneficial and it's going to be a wonderful week for us."

Fleet Week Port Everglades is a week-long event hosted by Broward Navy Days and local Navy Leagues, and is designed to showcase the sea services, honor the men and women of the sea services through public events and recognition, and provide 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, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/.