Media Advisory: Fleet Week Begins Monday, April 28th

The 24^th annual Fleet Week kicks off at Port Everglades on Monday, April 28^th with the arrival of USS New York (LPD-21) and USCGC Bernard C. Webber (WPC-1101), joined by USCGC Dependable on May 2^nd.

Hundreds of Navy Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen will arrive in Port Everglades to participate in the U.S. Navy’s largest community outreach program in South Florida.

USS New York is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 am, followed by USCGC Bernard C. Webber at 9 am. The public can watch the arrival of the ships from John U. Lloyd Beach State Park and adjacent oceanfront access or watch it on the web on the Port Everglades Webcam.

In addition, upon arrival, a Press Conference will be held with opportunities to interview:

• Al Hickey, Frank Sisto and Brian Kenny – three South Florida residents and former NYPD 9/11 first responders who were invited to ride the ship from Naval Station Mayport to Port Everglades. USS New York, built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow, was commissioned in New York City on Nov. 7, 2009.

• Capt. Christopher W. Brunett, USS New York Commanding Officer

• Mary Anne Gray, executive director of Broward Navy Days, Inc.

• Rear Adm. Kevin J. Kovacich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12

• South Florida hometown Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen

New York, Dependable and Bernard C. Webber will participate in Fleet Week until May 5^th. Members of the media will be able to tour the ships, interview Sailors or broadcast from the deck of New York during the course of the week.

Media outlets interested in covering Fleet Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Blyth at JonathanBlyth1@aol.com or 202-270-8136.

“Fleet Week Port Everglades is South Florida’s annual opportunity to salute the brave men and women of our sea services. We look forward to welcoming the hundreds of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to South Florida and encourage residents to join us at the many public events during the week to thank them for their service,” said Mary Anne Gray, executive director of Broward Navy Days, Inc., the local 501(c)(3) organization that organizes Fleet Week. The week-long celebration of the sea services honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the capabilities and skills of the men and women of the nation’s sea services. Service members will participate in a variety of community service projects and recreational activities during Fleet Week Port Everglades 2014.