Its that time again!  Fleet Week runs from October 1st through October 9th this year.  This is an event that I love and don’t mind attending year after year.  Maybe it is because I am an ex-military pilot and really appreciate the precision flying demonstrations or because I am somewhat of a technology and mechanical nerd but it is one time when I really don’t mind the crowds.

The air show is October 6th, 7th and 8th and will, of course, feature the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.  Other demonstrations will be provided  by the Canadian Snowbirds, the Patriots Jet Team and others.  There will also be a show by the Navy Leapfrogs Parachute team.  The show will be visible from many areas along the northern wharf for free or if you prefer prime viewing area seats, you can purchase them here.

From October 3rd through October 9th Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Canadian vessels will be positioned at the various piers and the public will be allowed to tour them for free.  Tours require a photo ID.  It should also be noted that backpacks, large purses, large camera bags and other such items will not be allowed on the tours and there will not be any place to check them while you are on the tour.  There is also a list of items that are prohibited on the tours which is similar to those barred from carry on to an airline flight.  You may also want to check the complete list of prohibited items and warnings.

There will also be a Humanitarian Assistance Village set up on the Marina Green.  The village will provide interactive demonstrations of military and civilian disaster response capabilities.  There will be camps in the village for Mass Care and Shelter, Power and Utilities, Environmental Management and Decontamination and Community Response and Rescue.  Visitors who pick up a passport, have it stamped at each camp and turn it in will be eligible for a prize drawing.  The Village is the work of the San Francisco Center for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Fleet Week is a fun and educational event for the whole family and one that should not be missed!

Jim was born in Oakland and with the exception of his 7 years in the Air Force, has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area his entire life. He is an avid fan of San Francisco and its surrounds and enjoys the beauty, culture and diversity it affords. He enjoys being able to take day trips to the ocean, the desert or to some of the highest peaks on the continent. He likes having the ability to travel from a metropolis with millions of people to a quiet spot with only nature around him within a few hours of driving time.