History  | Mission | Events | Contacts

History

Our History

Fleet Week San Diego was created by community and business leaders who understood the great depth of public support for our Sailors and Marines, and sought to provide a means for San Diego to express that support in a way that would also establish San Diego as a patriotic, pro-military city.  They shared a vision to recognize the contributions made by the naval services to the many communities that are part of the region generally known as greater San Diego.  In 1997, after extensive planning and team building, Fleet Week was born.  Nurtured by the Chamber of Commerce, the annual series of events grew quickly into a recognized feature of the region’s annual calendar.  By 2001, Fleet Week had outgrown its home in the Chamber and was incorporated as The San Diego Fleet Week Foundation.

The Fleet Week Foundation and Its Beneficiaries

The San Diego Fleet Week Foundation is a California Public Benefit Corporation, founded in 2001 as a non-profit under the provisions of  section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. 

As a Public Benefit Corporation, the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation donates proceeds in excess of operating expenses from Fleet Week San Diego to charities that provide critical support to military families. 

This past year, the Navy Morale Welfare and Recreation Fund, and the local chapters of the Armed Services YMCA, the USO and the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society were recipients.

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Mission

Our Mission

The mission of Fleet Week San Diego is to properly pay tribute to and to thank San Diego’s military service men and women for “Serving America Twice” in the defense of our nation and as volunteers in improving the quality of our communities.

Fleet Week San Diego’s magic is in the power of the partnership between our communities and the men and women who serve our nation in the naval services.  These great young Americans felt a call to serve the country and are routinely sent to represent our nation, and to defend our strategic interests at great personal risk.  Hours are long, pay is low, and physical hardships and family separations are part of the job.  Perhaps less well-known are the contributions our Sailors and Marines make to the quality of life in our communities.  Disproportionately large numbers of them can be found coaching youth teams, leading scout groups, singing in church choirs, teaching Sunday school, serving as volunteer firefighters, building or repairing homes for the disadvantaged, or using their high-tech skills to install modern computer systems in inner-city schools.  San Diegans feel a uniquely close bond to their Sailors and Marines and hundreds of thousands turn out to demonstrate that support and to enjoy the fun and excitement of world-class special events.

Mission Accomplished 2007

In 2007, sponsors and supporters of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation hosted:

• 750 enlisted military men and women at the San Diego Symphony’s Bands and Booms
• 250 men and women were hosted at a Randy Travis concert at Viejas Casino on the Green
• 50 wounded Marines and Soldiers were hosted at the Wounded Warrior Community Recognition Luncheon
• 1,500 coupon books with a coupon value of over $800 were distributed to military personnel
• 7,000 active duty military were hosted at Fleet Week Football Classic
• The San Diego Padres hosted 3,000 military personnel and their families at the Padres–Atlanta Braves game.
• Over 250 young enlisted men and women enjoyed a day of golf at Admiral Baker Golf Course
• 250 honorees were hosted by the Downtown Rotary and General Dynamics/NASSCO at the Enlisted Recognition Luncheon
• 3,000 free tickets were given to military personnel and families to attend the Coronado Speed Festival.
• 750 young sailors and their guests attended the Navy Birthday Ball

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Events

Overview of Events

The Fleet Week San Diego series of more than 20 events begins in May with our flagship event, The Port of San Diego Sea & Air Parade, on Saturday May 3, along with the world-renowned Red Bull Air Race World Series on May 3-4. Over 200,000 people will come to San Diego Bay to watch these events.  Aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships, hovercraft, helicopters, jets and more comprise the largest naval review in North America.

Each year, sponsors provide more than 750 tickets to military families for Bands and Booms the San Diego Symphony’s 4th of July concert and fireworks celebration. 

The Seventh Annual Star Spangled Salute, planned for Saturday, September 20, is our annual black-tie gala that brings together corporate sponsors, junior and senior officers from the Navy and Marine Corps and community leaders for an evening of patriotism and celebration.

Over the weekend of September 27-28, the Coronado Speed Festival on Naval Base Coronado will attract huge crowds, with free admission for all active duty military and their families.   This event offers a variety of activities for the car and racing enthusiast including two days of vintage auto racing, test drives, car show, car club corral, classic car displays, and a vendor village.   This singular event coincides with the only Navy’s West Coast Open House offering the general public a unique opportunity to visit the base, explore military displays and tour Navy ships.

On Wednesday, October 1st, the Enlisted Recognition Luncheon brings together the city’s business leaders with more than 250 Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines.

Sponsored by the Armed Services YMCA, Operation Liberty Call, Friday, October 3, provides sailors and Marines with a night on the town.  Military personnel receive a coupon book filled with discounts from participating merchants.

On October 7, the Enlisted Golf Tournament will bring together more than 250 junior sailors and Marines to enjoy a day of golf.  With the help of our volunteers and sponsors, prizes are awarded worth over $15,000.

The Wounded Warrior Luncheon celebrates the generosity of the many San Diego businesses who have donated time or services to support the families of our recovering warriors.

The Fleet Week Golf Tournament offers a relaxed environment for the Foundation to thank junior and senior officers, our sponsors and community leaders for their generous support of our events.

Fleet Week helps sailors to attend the annual Navy Birthday Ball. Corporate sponsors underwrite ticket costs for enlisted servicemen and women by raising money to reduce the price of the tickets. 

Fleet Week Football Classic pits hometown favorites, the SDSU Aztecs against a Mountain West Conference Team.  With the help of our sponsors, 7,000 military personnel and their families received tickets to the game.

Who Attends Fleet Week Events?

Fleet Week San Diego offers something for everyone.  Visitors from around the Southwest as well as Europe and Asia join local members of the Defense Industry, the Department of the Navy, and the San Diego community to participate in Fleet Week events.  As they do so, they discover the culture, beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and warm hospitality that is San Diego.  Join the Fleet Week crew and be a part of the team that showcases San Diego as no other series of events can.  This annual celebration of the spirit and achievements of Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen, demonstrates that San Diego is truly America’s Finest, and Most Patriotic City. 

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 Contacts

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