Fleet Week 2008 Visits South Florida

Fleet Week is in town with five U.S. Navy ships, a fast-attack submarine, a Coast Guard cutter, and Marines from Camp Lejeune

By Trish Forant (Photo by Robert Duyos)

Five U.S. Navy ships and a Coast Guard Cutter with more than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen arrived in Port Everglades around 7:30 a.m. today.

The first ship that arrived was the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57). Following ships included the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), a guided missile cruiser, the USS Ramage (DDG 61), a guided missile destroyer, the USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) a fast attack submarine and Atlantic-patrolling Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615). The dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) will arrive later in the day. The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is already pier side after arriving Sunday evening.

If you’re interested in more information on South Florida’s Fleet Week the best places to watch the ships are:

• South Beach Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Park opens at 5 a.m.; beach and jetties are across A1A within walking distance.

• John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, 6503 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood. Go to south side of inlet; small entrance fee required but boasts a good view.

For even more information: Visit http://www.browardnavydays.org/ and click on calendar of events. Visits to ships by the public are not permitted.

To send messages of support to our troops visit http://www.eMailOurMilitary.com today!