The Sea Services returned to South Florida for the next week as Fleet Week Port Everglades kicked off Monday morning with the arrival of a submarine, several ships and roughly 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman.

Following the recent Miami Navy Week and just prior to the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, which will be headlined by the Navy’s Blue Angels, USS New York (LPD 21), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Hue City (CG  66) and USS Albany (SSN 753) pulled into Port Everglades officially marking the start of the 29th consecutive Navy visit to South Florida. The event has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990, and this year’s event will run through May 6.

“It’s a privilege to participate in Fleet Week Port Everglades and bring the sea services to the South Florida community,” said Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two.  “We look forward to the experience, to educate the public on our capabilities by showing them our ships and sub, and allowing the community to talk and interact with our Sailors and Marines. 

Additionally, U.S. Coast Guard units slated to participate in the 2019 Fleet Week include U.S. Coast Guard cutter William Flores (WPC-1103) from Miami and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Spencer (WMEC-905) from Boston

Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen from these units will kick off the festivities at 7 p.m. Monday night during the All Hands on Deck Welcoming Party, at Esplanade Park.  Headlined by Navy Band Southeast, this free and open to the public event will include remarks from local officials and a “Roll Call,” during which the military visitors will sound off when their command is introduced. 

Throughout the week-long stay, the visiting men and women will also participate in community relations projects at schools and hospitals; honor the area’s many veterans and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day; parade the colors before a Miami Marlins game; host and attend receptions; and enjoy time visiting the citizens in the South Florida area. Additionally, the Navy Band Southeast will perform more than 20 times throughout the area during the week.

Between the numerous events planned for Fleet Week and the awe-inspiring Blue Angels flight demonstrations, South Florida residents and visitors to the area will get the opportunity this week to get a good look at today’s Navy, who they are and how they operate on the water, beneath the waves and in the sky above.  They will get to meet some of the men and women of today’s maritime services and gain a better understanding of how the Sea Services support the Maritime Strategy and national defense of the United States.

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