Oct 10, 2008 7:51 pm US/Pacific
SF Fleet Week: No Ship Parade, But Blue Angels Fly
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / BCN) ―
Swarms of people will gather at San Francisco's waterfront this weekend to see the ships and aircraft at the city's 28th annual Fleet Week celebration, while others may be taken aback by the low-flying aerobatic planes jetting through the city.
But due to unfavorable water conditions, U.S. Navy officials said the Parade of Fleet Week Ships that was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, had to be cancelled.
The ships were now scheduled instead to arrive on Sunday morning, officials said late Friday. As a result, ship tours could be delayed slightly. They were scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday.
The flight schedule for Fleet Week was to remain the same, including the Blue Angels flying Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Fleet Week brings together the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard to offer a lineup which includes festivals, a parade of ships, ship tours, and a flight show with demonstrations by the Navy's elite Blue Angels, Team Oracle and the Air Force's F-16 Demonstration Team.
The Canadian Snowbirds, nine jets that perform tactical aviation, will join the Blue Angels for the weekend show performances this year, organizers said.
Optional Blue Angels premium box seats for Saturday or Sunday at the Marina Green were available for $25 and club seats may be purchased for $150 for an adult or $75 for a child.
Featured ships this year include the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship, the U.S.S. Pinckney, U.S. Navy class guided missile destroyer and U.S. Coast Guard Bertholf. Ships will dock at Piers 19, 27 and 30 through 32.
In addition, Fleet Week features celebrations at Aquatic Park, Marina Green and Crissy Field. The Italian Heritage Day Parade along Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach as well as the Festival at the Fort will also be included in the festivities.
San Francisco Mayor Newsom said the Fleet Week events allow participants to understand the city's naval history and provides the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices made by the large number of veterans of the U.S. military who live in the Bay Area.
Added Capt. Kevin Mannix, flight leader and commanding officer of the Blue Angels: "San Francisco has a long history with the U.S. Navy.''
A full list of Fleet Week events including a schedule and information for Blue Angels premium box seats are available online at:
http://fleetweek.us/fleetweek.
FLEET WEEK SCHEDULE:
Saturday, October 11 ***CANCELLED*** 11:30AM to 12:30PM - The Parade of Ships from the Golden Gate Bridge to the waterfront. The showpiece will be the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard. ***CANCELLED***
12:30PM to 3PM - Air show.
3PM to 4PM - Blue Angels show.
7:15PM – Autograph signing by the Blue Angel pilots at Pier 39.
Sunday, October 12 11AM to 4PM - Ship tours, Piers 15, 29 and 30/32.
12:30PM to 3PM - Air show.
3PM to 4PM - Blue Angels show.
Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14 11AM to 4PM - Ship tours at Piers 15, 29 and 30/32
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