Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week concluded as three Navy ships departed Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore., June 11.
Guided-missile destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), along with guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) participated in Fleet Week activities June 7-10.
“I have never been to any city in any state that has been more patriotic than this place,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/FMF ) Jodie Coffin . “I’m from the Southeast, and I come from a very patriotic family, but here it seems like one huge family. I can go out in town, have a nice dinner and people will pay for my dinner, or they’ll hug me, or they’ll kiss me and say thank you for you’re service,” said Coffin. “It chokes me up to know that this place is so patriotic that I’m proud to serve in the Navy because of people like this.”
During the week, the three ships held public tours hosting more than 5,000 visitors during the fleet week celebration. The guests had the opportunity to meet Sailors, learn about the ship’s capabilities and role in the Navy’s mission.
Coffin said more people have participated in tours of destroyers and frigates during Rose Festival’s Fleet Week than she has ever seen.
Lorie Brunney , from Battleground, Wash., participated in a tour aboard the William P. Lawrence and said it is great that the Navy allows the public to tour the ships.
“I think it was very informational,” said Brunney. “To me, it’s important to educate the public about what the military really does.”
Throughout the week Sailors participated in Rose Festival activities such as the Grand Floral Parade, which showcased various groups and organizations from the surrounding area. Sailors were also treated to a free barbecue at Portland American Legion Post 1, participated in a softball tournament, and experienced Portland, the City of Roses.
Four U.S. Coast Guards vessels and a ship from the Royal Canadian navy also participated in the festival’s activities.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , June 12, 2012; Image: US Navy