San Francisco Fleet Week 2024 officially kicked off on October 8th at Pier 30-32, led by Mayor London Breed. This week-long event spans from Friday to Sunday and features an exciting air show by the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Alongside the exhilarating aerial displays, Fleet Week offers a range of educational activities and demonstrations throughout the week. These include disaster simulation exercises, performances by military bands, and showcases of military skills. These initiatives aim to illuminate military capabilities and educate civilians about the crucial role the military plays in disaster response.
Now in its 43rd year since launching in 1981, Fleet Week stands as one of the largest public events of its kind on the West Coast, celebrating the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. This year’s event welcomes several U.S. naval vessels to San Francisco Bay, where they’ll open their doors for public tours, conduct naval flight demonstrations, and participate in rescue exercises, drawing thousands of residents and tourists.
During her opening remarks, Mayor Breed remarked, “Fleet Week is not just a celebration; it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to express gratitude for our military’s service and to strengthen the trust between our military and the community.”
This year’s Fleet Week has invited various military branches, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and California National Guard. Attendees can look forward to seeing advanced amphibious assault ships, Coast Guard patrol boats, and U.S. Navy destroyers on display. These vessels will be available for public tours, giving citizens the chance to engage closely with cutting-edge naval equipment.
The Blue Angels’ aerial performance remains one of the main highlights of Fleet Week. Each year, this spectacular show attracts tens of thousands of spectators to San Francisco Bay, where the aircraft dive, swoop, and fly in formation, showcasing remarkable flying skills and teamwork. Many attendees specifically come to witness this breathtaking display, excited to experience the thrill of both the stunning visuals and the powerful sounds.
This year’s theme is “Disaster Response and Relief.” To emphasize this focus, organizers have scheduled a large-scale emergency drill simulating an earthquake scenario, demonstrating how the military can provide critical services such as supply transport, medical assistance, and evacuation in emergencies.
For more information about San Francisco Fleet Week, visit fleetweeksf.org.
