SAN DIEGO - Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) arrived at B Street Pier in downtown San Diego Sept. 8, kicking off San Diego Fleet Week, which runs through Sept. 15.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) will arrive today, and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) and Coast Guard Cutter Sherman (WHEC 720) are scheduled to arrive Saturday.

San Diego Fleet Week is a celebration of the sea services and offers the public the opportunity to tour ships and interact with Service members to gain a better understanding of how maritime forces support national defense and freedom of the seas. It also facilitates annual disaster preparedness training between the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and local first responders, and includes military band performances, social events, community service projects, and the Sea and Air Parade demonstration.

Sherman and Winnipeg will participate in a Sea and Air Parade demonstration, along with U.S. Navy ships USS America (LHA 6), USS Champion (MCM 4), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Sterett (DDG 104), Sept. 10.

The Sea and Air Parade will also feature several Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft, including F/A-18s, AV-8B II Harrier, F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and several helicopters, will perform fly-bys. It will also feature tactical demonstrations, including an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team cast and recovery, a Coast Guard Search and Rescue, and a helicopter fire bucket drop.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet works constantly with U.S. 7th Fleet. The forces of both fleets complement one another across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.