The 68th annual Seafair Fleet Week concluded for amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) Aug. 7, when the ship pulled away from pier 90 in downtown Seattle.

A parade of ships and air show kicked off Fleet Week Aug. 2, as local spectators observed U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian ships and aircraft circling around downtown Seattle's Elliott Bay. Over the following four days, Anchorage hosted several special events, including a luncheon with the Seattle Navy League, tours for Port of Seattle employees and Seattle Navy League Rotary members, and a reception featuring Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Nora Tyson.

Sailors and Marines experienced the local culture, participated in community relations projects throughout Seattle and welcomed aboard almost 4,500 visitors to the ship.

"Seattle is an amazing city," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Dominic Tinoco, "I had a great time going out and exploring what Seattle has to offer."

Tinoco added, "I also had the chance to feed the homeless at the Bread of Life Mission, which was a great feeling that I could give back to the community while we're here."

Seafair has hosted Fleet Week on the Seattle waterfront since 1950 and, according to the organizers, it is a celebration of the men and women who serve our country. This year, Seafair along with the Seattle Navy League and the Port of Seattle welcomed vessels and personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy.

Other Ships that participated in Fleet Week include Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Hamilton-class high endurance cutter USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717) and the Kingston-class coastal defence vessels HMCS Yellowknife (MM 706) and HMCS Edmonton (MM 703).