Residents of a city steeped in naval history began a weeklong celebration, Oct. 10, designed to showcase the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore is a time-honored observance of the sea services. With approximately 2,500 Sailors and Marines in attendance, 2016 marks the first time the City of Baltimore is hosting a Navy Fleet Week.

"Maryland Fleet Week celebrates the rich Naval tradition of the Chesapeake Bay," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, city of Baltimore. "We are deeply proud of this heritage and look forward to welcoming visitors from around the city, around the region, and from around the world."

The U.S. Navy's newest and most technologically advanced surface ship PCU Zumwalt (DDG 1000) arrived in Locus Point, Oct. 7, in preparation for the festivities. Participating ships including guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), and expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (EPF 7), arrived Oct. 12 as residents kicked off the welcome to Baltimore ceremony.

"The Navy and Marine Corps team belongs to the American people," said Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock, commander, Naval District Washington. "Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore is a great opportunity for us to show the people of Maryland who we are, what we do, and how committed we are to serving our nation."

Zumwalt is scheduled to be officially commissioned Oct. 15, ushering in a new era for the Navy; however, Sailors paid homage to those who have gone before with the last sail-only warship constructed, USS Constellation, conducting daily-simulated firing of the ship's cannons.

"We bleed blue and gold," said retired Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Whitehead, a Pennsylvania resident who traveled to Baltimore for the event. "[Fleet Week] is a great way for us to say 'thank you' to our service members and honor our heritage."

Throughout the week service members will visit schools, conduct ship tours, attend receptions and sporting events, participate in community service projects, and enjoy the rich history of Baltimore.

General public ship tours will be conducted Oct. 13-16. All ships will be open for tours from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Zumwalt. Visitors will learn about job specialties, firefighting techniques, environmental safety, energy awareness, and the importance of damage control aboard ships.

For up-to-date information on all MFW-ASB events, visit the official website at http://www.visitmaryland.org/list/maryland-fleet-week-air-show-baltimore-events/, "Like" Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore on Facebook, or "Follow" @MDfleetweek on Twitter. Join the conversation on social media by using #MDfleetweek.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.