Thirteen hundred Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) manned the rails of the ship's flight deck as she moored in Port Everglades, Florida, Apr. 30 for the start of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2018.

Fleet Week Port Everglades, which began in 1990, is scheduled to run from April 30 to May 6 and host a variety of activities for both Kearsarge personnel and local civilians.

"The ship and her crew are honored to be welcomed to the Port Everglades area," said Capt. Jason Rimmer, Kearsarge's executive officer. "We look forward to engaging with the local community and showcasing the ship, the crew and capabilities."

While in port, service members will enjoy liberty and participate in an assortment of scheduled events and community service projects.

"I can't wait to give back to the community that helped raise me and shape me into the man I am today," said Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris Roys, a Fort Lauderdale native currently aboard Kearsarge.

Not only will service members have the opportunity to explore the city of Fort Lauderdale, but citizens and visitors of Fort Lauderdale will have the opportunity to tour Kearsarge and talk with Sailors and Marines.

"My family and friends are super excited to take a tour of the ship and catch a glimpse of shipboard life," said Roys. "Only a couple of them have even seen a Navy ship up close in person before, and I think they'll really get a newfound appreciation for what it is we do out here."


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