a good time will be had by all

"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.

The modern version of Fleet Week commenced in 1981 and it has become one of the best-attended annual events in Northern California. In 2008, we are fortunate to have the participation of the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault carrier, and USS Pinckney, a guided missile destroyer, as well as the Coast Guard's newest cutter, the USCG Bertholf, which was commissioned in August 2008. We will also feature a robust air show with both the US Navy Blue Angel and Canadian Snowbird jet demonstration teams.

Fleet Week is also our annual opportunity to honor the men and women currently serving in the US and allied armed forces, particularly in the United States Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, and to learn about their character and skill, and the pride with which they carry out their duties. Please help me make them feel welcome in our City and assist me in thanking them for the remarkable contribution they are making to our security and well being."

What the Chairman of the San Francisco Fleet Week Committee forgot to mention, of course, was that Fleet Week is also an excellent chance to bang Seamen. (and women, if you're into that).

See you there!