The 66th annual Seattle Seafair (SSF) concluded Aug. 2 when U.S. Navy ships USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Dewey (DDG 105) departed from the Port of Seattle.

During the five day fleet week, thousands of guests from the Seattle area came out to visit with Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from the U.S. and Canada.

"It is clear to me that the relationship between Seattle and the sea services is strong," said Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson. "Seattle's prosperity and interests don't end at the west coast, they extend far into the Pacific and that's why I 'am committed to ensuring the relationship between 3rd Fleet, your Navy on the west coast and Seattle goes well beyond Fleet Week."

The parade of ships along with a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration kicked off SSF Fleet Week 2015, July 29 as local spectators observed U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian ships and aircraft circling around downtown Seattle's Elliott Bay.

This year's event also included performances by the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, multiple performances by the Navy Band Northwest and a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief seminar.
The people of Seattle had the opportunity to see the ships up close. Throughout the week, U.S. and Canadian Navy ships offered public tours. Ship visitors were able to handle some of the ship's gear and received a glimpse into what it's like to be a Sailor out to sea.
Sailors and Marines experienced the local culture, participated in a community relations project at a children's hospital and received discounts at the Seafair annual golf tournament and Seattle Mariners baseball game.

"The beauty of the city and the hospitality of the people here in Seattle have been amazing," said Legalman 1st Class Matt Gammon, a Pine Valley, California native. "It was obvious that everyone appreciated our service and were proud of us wherever we went."

Seafair is a month-long celebration of Seattle's rich sea culture, which culminates with hydroplane races, a Blue Angels air demonstration and a fireworks display at Genesee Park on Lake Washington.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.c3f.navy.mil/