As the USS New York (LPD 21) sailed out of Port Everglades May 6, it marked the end of another successful Fleet Week.

Fleet Week Port Everglades has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support groups for 29 years.  This year’s event brought six ships and more than 2,000 service members to South Florida to enable the public to learn about Navy operations, technology and missions.

USS New York, USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Hue City (CG  66) and USS Albany (SSN 753) as well as the U.S. Coast Guard cutters Spencer and William Flores pulled into Port Everglades April 29, and hosted more than 8,000 tours during the event.

“Fleet Week Port Everglades is an exciting time for the sea services and has truly been a great experience for the Sailors, Marines, and Guardsmen,” said Rear Admiral Brad Skillman, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two.  “The support we receive from the people in South Florida is tremendous, and I cannot thank them enough for the warm reception they give to the service members each year.”

Service members from the ships and local commands participated in community outreach events including school visits, hospital and veteran home visits, as well as renovation projects for the Naval Air History Museum and the Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Senior military personnel including Rear Adm. Gary Mayes, Commander, Navy Region Southeast; Skillman, and Rear Adm. Peter Brown, U.S. Coast Guard District Seven spoke at more than 15 events reaching out to hundreds of local residents.

Additionally, Navy Band Southeast performed 24 times at a variety of venues including local schools, children’s hospital visits, a public performance in Oakland Park, and the National Anthem for the Florida Marlins’ Military Appreciation Game,

Although much of the emphasis for the service members is helping and reaching out to the local community, Broward Navy Days tries to ensure a selection of fun activities for the visiting military as well, such as receptions, fishing, paddle boarding and more.  It is part of their effort to give back to the men and women in uniform.

"We look forward to this event every year because we want to honor our servicemen and women," said Mary Anne Gray, Executive Director for Broward Navy Days. "We get to meet great people who serve selflessly every day to keep this country safe, and we want them to have a great time and show them the appreciation they deserve."

Fleet Week Port Everglades provides an opportunity for the citizens of South Florida to witness first-hand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.  The Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen were in town to showcase the capabilities of today’s military and build relationships with the general public. 

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For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/.