USS Bonhomme Richard and USCGC Cuttyhunk sail together into Elliott Bay during the annual Seafair ritual, Parade of Ships during “Fleet Week.’ The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is 844 feet long. She carries 1,100 Navy personnel, and is an Amphibious Assault Ship, so she can also carry 1,900 Marines. The USCGC Cuttyhunk, is 110 feet long, carries 17 personnel and is an Island Class Patrol Boat.
Also in town for the celebration are the USS Sampson (DDG 102) and the USS Chafee (DDG 90) both destroyers. From the US Coast Guard, the USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717) is a participant. Representing our good Canadian neighbors, three Canadian vessels are here – two from the Canadian Navy, they are the HMCS Whitehorse (NCSM 705), the HMCS Nanaimo (NCSM 702) and one from the Canadian Coast Guard, a Hovercraft, the CH-CCG. All vessels are open for public viewing and visitation free of charge through Sunday, August 7th the day of the Seafair Hydroplane races on Lake Washington. Of course also in town for the Seafair celebration are the Navy Blue Angels, who are celebrating a 100 year anniversary of Naval aviation this year.
More than 5,000 Sailors and Marines are around town on shore leave, shopping, eating, visiting family and friends (if they are from the northwest) and perhaps taking in some tourist spots. If you see a sailor around town, invite him or her out to lunch and say ‘Thank You! for serving our country!’ (Click on the smaller photos for an enlarged view.)
That would be something to see. Excellent photo Madge.
It was… the Seattle Fire boat Leschi led the way giving a huge display of spaying water… and then the military boats… it was sunny, and beautiful.. quite something to see all the sailors in white lining the rails on each vessel.
Nice captures Madge. The Coast guard cutter you have a photo of is the USCGC CuttyHunk, a 110′ patrol boat. I maintained the electronic equipment on several of those cutters while I was stationed in Alaska. Thanks for the photo it brought back several great memories!
Thanks Bruce… thanks too for the info on the USCG boat sailing beside the USS Bonhomme Richard, I looked for information and could not get any further information on it. I’ll change my post to include that! Your’re welcome for a short trip down memory lane, and thank YOU for your service to our country!
Wow lots of tough looking ships!
Yes, thankfully… we want tough ships for national defense! ;-)