SEATTLE - Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) arrived in Seattle, July 29, for Seafair as part of the festival’s 70th annual Fleet Week.

Seattle Fleet Week 2019 is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Washington to meet Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services through Aug. 2.

Spruance and Mobile Bay joined the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Edmonton and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) in a parade of ships in Elliott Bay, July 29, to kick off Fleet Week.

“Everyone is excited to get out, interact with people and explore Seattle,” said Chief Intelligence Specialist Shela Constantineau, from Corunna, Michigan. “We’re very eager to show the people what it is we do on a day to day basis.”

During Seattle Fleet Week, Sailors will participate in various community relations projects, as well as host ship tours and interact with Seattleites.

“This week, Sailors are taking some time out of their primary national defense mission to come to Seattle for Fleet Week,” said Rear Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Region Northwest. “This is a great opportunity for the community to see what the Navy has to offer, to tour an active Navy vessel, and meet the men and women who perform our mission.”

Events will be taking place throughout the week for Seattle Seafair Fleet Week. Spruance and Mobile Bay will be open for public tours at Pier 66, Tuesday through Friday. Tour times will vary each day.

“I encourage people to come out to the waterfront to see the ships and get to know the men and women of your seagoing services,” said Gray. “We care a great deal about the communities in which we live and work, and do our best to support our shared environment. So, I wanted to thank the outstanding people of Washington State who continue to support their U.S. Navy.”

Public visitation dates and times for Spruance and Mobile Bay are Tuesday, July 30, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Wednesday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.; and then Friday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

When arriving for public tours, all visitors will be required to present a photo ID and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships. All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the security zone. Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour, and are recommended to wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes.

Prohibited items aboard the ships include the following:

• Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons
• Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray; spray cans of any type
• Fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
• Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia illegal by federal standards (including cannabis)
• Large bags, including backpacks, diaper bags and large camera bags (small camera bags ands mall handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)
• Strollers
• Do not leave personal items unattended.
• While general photography of this event is allowed, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically of the U.S. Navy ships.

Visit the Seafair website for more information, including a complete list of tour times of all participating ships, as well as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels schedule.