Fort Lauderdale Fleet Week Kicks Off with Battleship Arrivals at Port Everglades

Fleet Week Returns to Fort Lauderdale

• 🚢 Fleet Week has officially begun in Fort Lauderdale, marking its return to Port Everglades after events were held in Port Miami last year.
• ⚓ The celebration commenced with the arrival of several large naval vessels, including battleships and an attack submarine.

Military Presence and Community Engagement

• 🇺🇸 Over 12,200 sailors and marines are participating, offering the public a unique opportunity to meet military personnel and learn about their lives at sea.
• 🤝 This event serves as a chance for the Navy and Marine Corps to give back to the community and showcase their presence.
• 💰 The week highlights taxpayer-funded military assets and the service members who operate them, fostering community connection.

USS Cole and Public Tours

• 💥 The USS Cole, a 505-foot American warship, is among the ships open for public tours, detailing its history and significance.
• 🎗️ The ship carries a memorial remembering the 17 fallen crew members from the October 2000 attack, offering a poignant historical perspective.
• 💡 Tours provide an inside look at how sailors and marines live and work at sea, potentially inspiring future military service.

Special Events and Access

• ✈️ The week-long event launched with a special sailing ceremony and a flyover by two FA18 fighter jets.
• 🚢 In addition to the USS Cole, an amphibious landing ship and a fast attack nuclear-powered submarine are available for tours.
• 🎟️ Public access to these vessels requires advance ticket sign-ups online at least two days prior, with details available on local10.com.

Commemorating Naval History

• 🇺🇸 This year's Fleet Week also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the US Navy's founding.
• ⚓ The presence of these naval assets in Fort Lauderdale underscores the Navy's enduring legacy and its connection to coastal communities.