NR 12.016 - October 3, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO (U.S.A) — Three Royal Canadian Navy ships will take part in the 31st annual San Francisco Fleet Week. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Algonquin, Edmonton and Brandon will join United States Navy and Coast Guard vessels for activities and events from October 4 to 8.
San Francisco Fleet Week brings together Canadian and U.S. military units for a week of celebrations and family-oriented events that are open to the public. The events showcase naval equipment, technology, and capabilities with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while also taking the opportunity to host and thank the men and women of naval services and their families for their duty.
“The Royal Canadian Navy looks forward to participating in San Francisco Fleet Week events and activities in order to showcase the outstanding capabilities of our ships and their sailors,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Fleet Week presents an excellent opportunity to thank our men and women in uniform and their families for their service to their country and for the sacrifices they have made along the way.”
"Attending San Francisco Fleet Week is an opportunity to build and strengthen our relationship with the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard,” said Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. “It’s also an excellent outreach opportunity that allows the Royal Canadian Navy to educate and inform other nations how we contribute to international peace and security.”
San Francisco Fleet Week attracts an estimated audience of one million spectators. The main events are the parade of Navy ships, an aerial show, a humanitarian assistance disaster response static display, and several concerts.
On completion of San Francisco Fleet Week activities, HMCS Algonquin, the flag ship of Canada's Pacific Fleet, will sail to lead a Task Group Exercise with Canadian and U.S. naval and air forces off the coast of Vancouver Island. HMCS Edmonton and Brandon will join with U.S. maritime security forces for training off of San Diego.
For more information on the Royal Canadian Navy, please visit: http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/0/0_eng.asp
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