Fleet Week Celebrated

The Promenade News, Broward County, FL, USA

Although the official beginning of Fleet Week was April 28, more than seventy fortunate guests had the opportunity to spend several days aboard the USS Iwo Jima sailing from Norfolk to Port Everglades. With the arrival of the majority of the ships on Monday morning, Fleet Week got started in earnest with an All Hands Party at the Hard Rock Seminole Cafe, Paradise Village.

Touring for prearranged groups, including a large number of local area students, began on Tuesday morning and continued throughout the week. The tours were conducted by crew members of the ships who were assisted by volunteers from the Broward County Council, other area Navy League [Councils] and Broward Navy Days.

Crew members not on duty took part in numerous community relations events, including visits to local schools, hospitals, and convalescent care facilities, while 30 Sailors spent 3 days assisting with a Habitat for Humanity project. It wasn't all work... there were golf tournaments, athletic and damage control competitions, and numerous opportunities to enjoy local area attractions which included fishing, shopping trips, and complimentary rides on the Jungle Queen.

On Tuesday evening, a Junior Officers' Party that has become "Famous Fleet Wide" was held at Briny's Riverfront Irish Bar and Restaurant on the Las Olas Riverfront.

On Wednesday, the various ships and the submarine hosted the lunch for CO's, selected crew members, and invited guests. These events were hoted by the four area Navy League councils, Ft. Lauderdale's U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the CPOA, and BND. The ships in port for Fleet Week were: USS Iwo Jima, LPH-7; USS Carter Hall, LSD-50; USS Mitcher, DDG-57; USS Pittsburg, SSN-720; USS Ramage, DDG-61; USS Vella Gulf, CG-72; and USCGC Reliance, WMEC-615.