San Francisco’s Fleet Week was started in 1981 by then‐Mayor Dianne
Feinstein and in the 35 years since has grown to become the largest
and most significant event of its kind in the nation. Fleet Week cele‐
brates the rich naval tradition in the Bay Area, honors the nation's ser‐
vice members, and facilitates annual disaster preparedness training
between the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and local first respond‐
ers. It includes a parade of ships which enter the Bay by sailing under
the Golden Gate Bridge and concludes with the Air Show.
Friday was technically a practice day, but because the Parade of Ships
takes place then, many spectators chose to attend. And since Karl the
Fog is always a threat, locals know to take advantage of any opportu‐
nity to see the show. The formal flying was opened by the US Navy
Parachute Demonstration Team jumping from a Missouri Air Guard