The city of Baltimore kicked off its weeklong celebration of maritime services October 3, 2018 throughout the city’s Inner Harbor.

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore is a United States Maritime Forces tradition in which active military ships that have been recently deployed dock in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for one week. Once the ships dock, the Sailors aboard celebrate the rich naval traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and the contributions of Marylanders to the defense of the nation.

This year marks the second time the City of Baltimore is hosting a Navy Fleet Week.

“On behalf of the United States Navy, I’d like to thank the city of Baltimore for having us here in this wonderful historic city, to interact with the people and showcase to you the life of a Sailor,” said Rear Adm. Steven C. Evans, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2.

Evans also took a moment to recognize the several Gold Star Families in attendance.

“Their husbands, wives, sons and daughters paid the ultimate price for our freedom and we will never forget their sacrifice for our great nation,” Evans said of the Gold Star Families. “They are the true heroes.”

Eight United States vessels arrived in port at the Inner Harbor on October 3, and three more are expected to pull into port later this week.

The British ship, the “Duke”-class Type 23 Frigate HMS Monmouth (F-235) and the Canadian Ship, the Kingston-class coastal defense vessel HMCS Moncton (MM 708), also arrived in port October 3.

The Thunderbirds of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron are slated to perform in Air Show Baltimore Oct. 6 and 7 starting at noon.

A multitude of other events are scheduled throughout the week including ship tours, community outreach, demonstrations, school visits and festivals, as well as the celebration of the rich history of Baltimore.

“I’d encourage everyone to get out, meet our Sailors and Marines this week, tour our ships, and attend the air show this weekend to see some of our best aircraft on display,” said Evans.

Several news sources from the Baltimore area will be covering Maryland Fleet Week.

For up-to-date on Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore, visit www.MDfleetweek.org, “Like” Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore on Facebook, or “Follow” @MDfleetweek on Twitter. Join the conversation on social media by using #MDfleetweek.

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For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit www.navy.mil/.