Fleet Week San Diego was created by community and business leaders who understood the great depth of public support for our Sailors and Marines, and sought to provide a means for San Diego to express that support in a way that would also establish San Diego as a patriotic, pro-military city. They shared a vision to recognize the contributions made by the naval services to the many communities that are part of the region generally known as greater San Diego. In 1997, after extensive planning and team building, Fleet Week was born. Nurtured by the Chamber of Commerce, the annual series of events grew quickly into a recognized feature of the region’s annual calendar.
Fleet Week Day on San Diego Bay (Sept. 29), features The Port of San Diego Sea & Air Parade, and is the beginning of a month-long series of patriotic events that focuses national attention on San Diego. 100,000 citizens line the San Diego harbor to view a naval parade that brings together over a dozen Navy ships of all types, an impressive display of current and former naval aircraft, SEALS, Coast Guard units, and several historic ships in an event that will be seen live by more than 100,000 people, featured in local radio news.
The waterfront offers many great locations for viewing the parade, but none can compare with Harbor Island. The combination of easy access, manicured lawns, and proximity to the passing Port of San Diego Sea & Air Parade, make Harbor Island the ideal location for hospitality chalets as well as the general public.
Fleet Week Day on San Diego Bay is only the first weekend of celebration. The Coronado Speed Fest (Oct. 6) will bring over 200 classic racecars to North Island’s landing field. Drivers from all over the nation will compete in a fully sanctioned vintage-racing classic.
The world famous Miramar Air Show(Oct. 12-14) will be held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Miramar is the largest military air show in the world, featuring a full schedule of military and civilian aerial acts, displays, the unique Marine Air Ground demonstration and the magnificent USAF Thunderbirds.
The Finale of Fleet Week will be the Annual San Diego Star Spangled Salute. This black tie dinner show will feature patriotic entertainment throughout the evening.
Other Fleet Week-related events include:
Red Bull Air Race World Series (Sept. 21-22): The Red Bull Air Race is an exciting competition in which the world’s most talented pilots are up against each other in a race based on speed, precision and skill.
U.S. Navy Ship Tours (Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7): 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tours are conducted on a first come-first served basis. No advance reservations can be accepted. Broadway Pier, at the corner of North Harbor Drive and Broadway, downtown San Diego.
