US Navy Ships to Arrive in Seattle Today

Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) will arrive in Seattle the afternoon of July 29 for Seafair as part of the annual festival’s Fleet Week, marking the return of the U.S. Navy after missing the event in 2013.

The three Navy ships, along with two Royal Canadian Navy ships, and one U.S. Coast Guard vessel, will be in Seattle to celebrate Seafair Fleet Week, a summer tradition in the Pacific Northwest since 1950. The vessels will be in the city offering public tours and participating in the annual festivities.

The Seattle visit offers the public an opportunity to tour aboard the ships and meet Sailors as they showcase the ships’ capabilities. It also gives citizens a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the Maritime Strategy and national defense of the United States.

The Parade of Ships and Parade of Flight will take place in and over Elliott Bay on Wednesday, June 30 starting at approximately 1:45 p.m. Fleet Week ships will be open for public tours on piers 66, 69 and 90 from Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 3. Times for tours will vary by ship from day-to-day.

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Press Release, July 29, 2014; Image: US Navy