thedrifter
08-17-07, 07:56 AM
It doesn’t rain every day in Seattle.
In fact, the Marines and Sailors who recently attended the Seattle Seafair saw several beautiful, sun-filled days.
More than 120 Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton traveled from San Diego with the Sailors aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland to take part in Seattle’s annual, month-long festival.
The naval vessels arrived at the Port of Seattle July 31, where the guided missile frigate USS Rentz and several Coast Guard vessels were also docked and ready to begin their part the summertime celebration.
The Seattle Seafair is an annual festival that offers many community events throughout July and early August and has no official purpose other than to bring the community together.
According to their website, thousands of spectators observed the parades, hydroplane races and Blue Angels air shows.
Several Seafair events focused on military awareness and appreciation.
Marines and Sailors manned the rails of their vessels during the parade of ships. Observers waved from the piers as the procession passed through the port.
After the ships docked, hundreds of visitors met with Sailors who led them on tours of the ships.
Out in town, the Boston Red Sox at the Seattle Mariners baseball game was dedicated “Military Appreciation Night.” Marines and Sailors in dress uniforms were allowed into Safeco Field early to watch the players warm up. Some players even paused during their practice to sign baseballs and ballcaps.
“I’m not that interested in baseball,” said Pvt. Nicole R. Benn, “but it was cool to be recognized for what we do.”
Service members exploring downtown Seattle were bombarded with complimentary drinks, hand-shakes and thank-you’s.
Marines and Sailors were honored to be a part of the summertime festival.
“It was a good opportunity, especially for younger Marines,” said Benn, a supply clerk with 9th Communications Battalion, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. “My staff sergeant said it’s another side of the Marine Corps I might never see again.”
The more than half a century old celebration concluded Aug. 5, and the naval vessels, admired by hundreds of former service members, men, women and children during the visit, started south for San Diego the following day.
Navy Ensign Carl Bayes agreed that the military’s participation was great for the community, but also noted that it was a rare opportunity for the Navy.
“A lot of times the news is focused on what the Marines are doing, and the Army as well, in the global war on terrorism. The Navy is kind of in the background,” said Bayes, the first lieutenant aboard the Bunker Hill.
“The Seafair is a great opportunity for the community to come and see what the Navy is capable of doing.”
In fact, the Marines and Sailors who recently attended the Seattle Seafair saw several beautiful, sun-filled days.
More than 120 Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton traveled from San Diego with the Sailors aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland to take part in Seattle’s annual, month-long festival.
The naval vessels arrived at the Port of Seattle July 31, where the guided missile frigate USS Rentz and several Coast Guard vessels were also docked and ready to begin their part the summertime celebration.
The Seattle Seafair is an annual festival that offers many community events throughout July and early August and has no official purpose other than to bring the community together.
According to their website, thousands of spectators observed the parades, hydroplane races and Blue Angels air shows.
Several Seafair events focused on military awareness and appreciation.
Marines and Sailors manned the rails of their vessels during the parade of ships. Observers waved from the piers as the procession passed through the port.
After the ships docked, hundreds of visitors met with Sailors who led them on tours of the ships.
Out in town, the Boston Red Sox at the Seattle Mariners baseball game was dedicated “Military Appreciation Night.” Marines and Sailors in dress uniforms were allowed into Safeco Field early to watch the players warm up. Some players even paused during their practice to sign baseballs and ballcaps.
“I’m not that interested in baseball,” said Pvt. Nicole R. Benn, “but it was cool to be recognized for what we do.”
Service members exploring downtown Seattle were bombarded with complimentary drinks, hand-shakes and thank-you’s.
Marines and Sailors were honored to be a part of the summertime festival.
“It was a good opportunity, especially for younger Marines,” said Benn, a supply clerk with 9th Communications Battalion, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. “My staff sergeant said it’s another side of the Marine Corps I might never see again.”
The more than half a century old celebration concluded Aug. 5, and the naval vessels, admired by hundreds of former service members, men, women and children during the visit, started south for San Diego the following day.
Navy Ensign Carl Bayes agreed that the military’s participation was great for the community, but also noted that it was a rare opportunity for the Navy.
“A lot of times the news is focused on what the Marines are doing, and the Army as well, in the global war on terrorism. The Navy is kind of in the background,” said Bayes, the first lieutenant aboard the Bunker Hill.
“The Seafair is a great opportunity for the community to come and see what the Navy is capable of doing.”