One hundred years ago, in May 1908, 16 US Navy battleships with dozens of escorts and 14,000 sailors entered San Francisco Bay. Called the "Great White Fleet" because the ships were painted white, the fleet remained in San Francisco for two months, departing in July for Hawaii and the remainder of its 14-month cruise around the world. This was San Francisco's first parade of Ships and first Fleet "Week". One of the objectives of the Great White Fleet's voyage was to ensure that Americans were aware of the reasons for having a strong and capable Navy and to let them see those capabilities first hand. This objective still resonates 100 years later and provides the primary rationale for our annual Fleet Week celebration.
For 2008 the participation of the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault carrier and the US Navy Blue Angels give Americans the opportunity to honor the men and women currently serving in the US and allied armed forces, particularly in the United States Navy, and Marines. To learn about their character and skill, and the pride with which they carry out their duties.
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