SEATTLE — The Port Angeles-based USCG Active will be among ships taking part in the annual Seafair Fleet Week, a summer tradition in the Pacific Northwest since 1950.
The vessels will be in Seattle this week offering public tours and participating in the annual festivities.
The U.S. Navy ships on Pier 66, 2225 Alaska Way, will be open for public visitation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday.
Times for tours might vary from day-to-day.
Sailors onboard the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) and guided-mission cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) arrived in Seattle on Monday for Seafair.
The two Navy ships, along with two Royal Canadian Navy ships HMCS Nanaimo and HMCS Edmonton, also will be in Seattle to celebrate Seafair Fleet Week.
The Seattle visit offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and meet sailors and Coast Guard members as they showcase the ships’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and freedom of the seas, according to a press release.
When arriving for public tours, all visitors will be required to present a photo ID and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships.
All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the security zone.
Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour, and are recommended to wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes.
Prohibited items on board include weapons such as knives, firearms and club weapons; defensive chemicals or sprays such as mace and pepper spray; spray cans of any type; fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives; drugs and drug-related paraphernalia illegal by federal standards (including cannabis); large bags including backpacks, diaper bags and large camera bags; and strollers.
Small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search.
While general photography of this event is allowed, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically of the U.S. Navy ships.
For more information, go to www.seafair.com/events /2019/fleet-week.