A unique San Diego Experience

This fall, visitors to a city known for its beaches, world famous zoo and idyllic weather are in for a unique experience when San Diego – “America’s Finest City” – pays homage to the U.S. military with a month-long celebration called Fleet Week San Diego.

Heralded as the largest military appreciation event in the nation, the 11th-annual Fleet Week San Diego offers civilians a unique opportunity to experience the thrills of fighter jet demonstrations, tour Navy ships and taking part in military traditions – all while showing support for U.S. military personnel.

“Fleet Week provides hundreds of thousands of people with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with our nation’s military, experience history and technology, see exciting demonstrations, and say ‘thank you’,” said Fleet Week Chairman Reo Carr. “San Diego County is home to more Marines and Sailors than any other region in the country, so it is the ideal home for this annual tribute.”

Fleet Week San Diego also honors the men and women of our armed services who “serve America twice,” by defending our nation, and by serving as volunteers and community leaders.

Beginning Sept. 17 and extending to Oct. 28, Fleet Week San Diego will feature a variety of events and activities – many of them free – for families, visitors and military personnel. A full schedule of activities is available at http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/ but highlights include-

Port of San Diego Sea & Air Parade – Sept. 29. During this marquis event, approximately 100,000 people turn out along the San Diego Bay shoreline to see aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, frigates and Coast Guard vessels parade through San Diego Bay. A variety of aircraft and Navy SEAL team demonstrations round out this exciting event.

Marine Corp Recruit Depot Bootcamp Challenge – October 6. Thousands of civilian and military participants will become Marine recruits for a day, as they trek through a 3-mile course across the historic grounds of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Runners will face the drill fields and MCRD’s famous obstacle course. Those wishing to compete may contact the MCRD’s Semper Fit Division at               619/524-6058        or               619/524-0548       .

Navy Ship Tours – Sept. 29 & 30, Oct. 6 & 7. One of the most popular Fleet Week events, the public is invited to experience the inside of Navy ships firsthand with tours at San Diego’s Broadway Pier.

SRT Coronado Speed Festival – Oct. 6 & Sunday, Oct. 7. Vintage cars will take over the runways of Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado as priceless antique autos race a 1.6-mile course that whips around military hardware displays and aircraft hangars. The festival will also include car shows, a Vendor Village where you can shop for the latest automotive accessories, and a multi-million dollar display of collectable automobiles.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show – Oct. 12 through Oct. 14. The world’s best military and civilian pilots will take to the skies of San Diego in this award-winning air show. From vintage biplanes to the latest in aviation technology, attendees will be entertained from the skies and on the ground with more than 200 hands-on displays. A special twilight show Saturday evening will feature music and a fireworks show.

More information about Fleet Week events can be obtained by visiting http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/

Courtesy of grouptravelblog.com