Fleet Week San Diego, the city’s annual salute to the world’s largest concentration of naval forces, returns Nov. 4-12 with ship tours, sporting tournaments, concerts and Memorial Day events.
“San Diego is definitely a military town,” said Gordon Rutherford, Fleet Week San Diego president for 2019. “But San Diegans and visitors to our city really don’t often get a chance to meet the people and see the technology they use to defend the United States and our way of life. We’re proud of the work our military men and women perform, and Fleet Week is a great way to honor their service!”
Last year, more than 20,000 people attended Fleet Week festivities, touring the USS Harpers Ferry and Coast Guard Cutter Mellon and learning about Marine Corps combat gear.
Fleet Week 2019 begins Monday, Nov. 4, with a five-day softball tournament hosted by the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation. The tournament pits teams from local military units and first-responder agencies against one another in friendly competition to highlight the bond that exists between the men and women who serve San Diego and all of America.
“Like our military service members, our first responders here in San Diego play a critical role in the community,” said Rutherford. “Bringing these two groups together for a little recreation and down time honors the sacrifices and commitment they have for our community here in San Diego.”
A series of receptions, luncheons, and breakfasts for community members and enlisted personnel are scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and Thursday, Nov. 7.
Then from Friday, Nov. 8, through Monday, Nov. 11, Navy ships and Marine Corps gear will be open for public tours and inspection at the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego. Visitors can also browse an exhibition of art by veterans in the pavilion on the pier.
There’s a happy hour concert on the pier with country music star Tim Hurley on Friday, Nov. 8, and the annual military family tailgate & football classic when San Diego State takes on Nevada at SDCCU Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The week ends with a concert by country star Coffey Anderson following the San Diego Veterans Day parade on Monday, Nov. 11, and a golf tournament for enlisted personnel on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
More information about all events is available online.