— By Zach Perkins |
USS Makin Island passing under the GG yesterday.
It's Fleet Week again, which is why a team of F/A-18 Hornets were making strafing runs on your eardrums all afternoon. The Blue Angels began practice at 1pm today and could be heard all over the Bay, even in my office in the East Bay with my headphones cranked up to 11. Expect the same ruckus from 1pm to 4pm tomorrow while they conduct their final practice for the weekend's air show. CUE THE OBLIGATORY KENNY LOGGINS VID!!!
Yesterday the USS Makin Island cruised up the coast and arrived in San Francisco. Mayor Newsome greeted and toured the Navy's brand new hybrid-powered ship, which is basically a Prius Aircraft Carrier, capable of moving at up to 12 knots on electricity alone. According to the Chronicle, this will be the biggest Fleet Week celebration in 20 years, with six US Navy ships (plus some Coast Guard and Canuck Navy vessels) in comparison to only one US Navy ship last year.
Expect a much more noticeable military presence in the city as well. Last year only a small compliment of Navy sailors and six Marines ran amuck during Fleet Week. This year there will be estimated 1000 Navy sailors and 600 Marines let loose upon the City Marina. I mean fuck, there are only so many strip clubs in North Beach. And ladies, should you hit up a karaoke bar this weekend, expect to be serenaded repeatedly to 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling.'
Check out the schedule of Fleet Week events here, and the roster of vessels in port here.