This weekend, get a fleeting view of the Navy in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Fleet Week fireworks over Battleship Iowa. Discover Los Angeles

Even a pandemic doesn’t stop the Navy and Los Angeles from celebrating “Fleet Week.”

So much is different now due to COVID, but, according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, “Certain values never change … our commitment to serve the people who serve us.”

Each year, the popular celebration that marks the end of summer brings huge crowds to the San Pedro port to experience the U.S. Navy up close. This year’s Fleet Week festivities begin today (Friday, Sept. 4, 2020), but many of the activities are occurring virtually, such as remarks by Mayor Garcetti and U.S. Third Fleet Commander Vice Adm Scott D. Conn. 

Most Angelenos know that the Navy Hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) came to the city’s aid early in the COVID-crisis. LA Fleet Week President Jonathan Williams noted that this virtual LA Fleet Week will give the community a chance to learn much more about their Navy. 

Throughout the weekend, there will be virtual ship tours of the amphibious ships USS Comstock (LSD 45) and  USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), minesweeper USS Scout (MCM 8), nuclear attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797), and guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), as well as U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, U.S. Marines and with performances by the Navy Band Southwest.

Many of the events will be anchored around Battleship Iowa, moored at the San Pedro port and one of the Los Angeles area’s top visitor attractions. A reprise of past performances by big-name entertainers and fireworks will also be viewable on the LA Fleet Week virtual platform.

Because so much of the Fleet Week festivities are virtual, anyone can attend, no matter where you are.  See the schedule of events at https://www.lafleetweek.com/.

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