USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) arrived in the Port of Seattle Aug. 2, for Seattle Seafair.
Seattle Seafair is an annual summer celebration that includes hydroplane races and air shows where the Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angles, perform. The U.S. Navy, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian navy, participate in the event, during which selected ships sail into Seattle.
Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Amanda Mensing , of Woodstock, Ill. said she had never been to Seattle before and is looking forward to visiting the local attractions.
“ I need to see the Space Needle. I always like to pick one thing out [to visit], so that’s the thing I need to see, then experience the people here, ” Mensing said.
There are various activities held throughout the week for visiting Sailors including a Navy Night at Safeco Field during the Mariners game, a barbecue hosted by the United Services Organization and various sporting events.
Sailors said they are pleased to have the opportunity to visit Seattle and to get a chance to not only show the colors of the U.S. Navy, but to enjoy themselves while in port.
“There are a lot of cities and countries around the world that don’t have a large Navy contingent there, so it’s good for the people of the city to see what the Navy does and what all we have at our disposal, ” said Chief (select) Fire Controlman Morgan Kirkpatrick .
Ships are open to free public tours Aug. 3 – 7 at the downtown Seattle Waterfront on Piers 25, 46 and 66.
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Source: navy, August 4, 2011;