The 18th annual Navy Days Los Angeles concluded Aug. 10 when visiting U.S. Navy ships, the guided-missile cruisers USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71), the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and nearly 1,000 Sailors departed from the Port of Los Angeles.

The six day fleet week, allowed visitors to tour the ships and meet Sailors, becoming informed about how U.S. Navy ships and crews function.

"This was a great opportunity for Sailors of the visiting ships to showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens," said Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson. "I want to thank the citizens of Los Angeles for being such gracious hosts and giving us the opportunity to showcase what the Navy has to offer."

The Navy's participation in L.A. Navy Days demonstrated to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an essential tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women.
The event welcomed thousands of people this weekend for reserved ship tours and a free barbeque pierside in front of the Battleship USS Iowa Museum, as the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple Band played patriotic favorites from the deck of Iowa.

"It's very humbling to get the opportunity to step foot on a Navy ship," said Zina Beshara, a native of Los Angeles. "After receiving a tour of the ship and seeing everything these Sailors do, it gives me a whole new perspective of what these brave men and women sacrifice for our freedom."

In addition to the ship tours, a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) expo was held, which was hosted at the Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Terminal.
STEM is an initiative and educational program designed to provide students with opportunities to be successful in the various career fields associated with STEM. Its purpose within schools is to help impassion students to pursue careers in these disciplines.

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/ .