TRAFFIC ADVISORY and INFORMATION Fleet Week 2014
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY AND INFORMATION Fleet Week 2014, Commissioning of USS America, Cruise Ships in Port October 9-13, 2014 Heavy traffic congestion expected along The Embarcadero this weekend! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- San Francisco, CA – Thursday, October 9, 2014 --The Port of San Francisco and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) advise residents and visitors of the following upcoming event-related traffic and transit impacts this weekend due to the return of San Francisco Fleet Week; the commissioning of the USS America Navy vessel at Piers 30/32; and Princess Cruises ships in port at Pier 27. Traffic delays are expected along The Embarcadero; use of public transportation, biking, and/or walking is strongly encouraged. Anyone traveling in San Francisco from October 9-13 can check www.sfmta.com or call 311 to find out which of the 76 Muni lines will get them where they want to go. All road users are encouraged to be aware, share the roadway and to follow all rules to ensure everyone’s safety. For real-time updates during the week, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and special events, follow SFMTA on www.twitter.com/sfmta_muni or visit http://www.sfmta.com/signup to sign up for real-time text messages or email alerts. Parking meters on The Embarcadero and at Fisherman’s Wharf are enforced seven days per week throughout the year, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Traffic coming into San Francisco is anticipated to be congested. Parking will be limited. BART, Ferries, AC Transit and SamTrans are alternate transportation options. Parking at BART stations is available on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, please visit www.511.org and www.BART.gov. San Francisco Fleet Week October 9-13, 2014 Fleet Week returns to San Francisco on October 9-13, 2014. Fleet Week is a significant economic contributor to the region, bringing in an estimated $65M in economic activity. 1 It’s also an excellent opportunity for San Franciscans and the people of the Bay Area to welcome our men and women in uniform to our city and to thank them for their service. In fact, an estimated one million visitors come to the city for Fleet Week events over the 5 day period. Friday, October 10 • Parade of Ships will take place with the first ship expected under the Golden Gate Bridge at 11am. The parade of ships will be escorted by the San Francisco Fire Department fireboats Phoenix and Guardian, visiting ships will assume their berths along the northern waterfront. • Fleet Week air show above SF Bay, Noon – 4pm, including Blue Angels at 3pm. Prime viewing areas will be along the Marina Green, Fisherman’s Wharf and new Cruise Terminal Plaza at Pier 27. Saturday, October 11 • Piers 30/32: Commissioning of USS America; 10am commissioning ceremony; 11am pier reception and ship tours • Piers 15/17, 19, 35: Military ships on berth for SF Fleet Week open for public tours, 9am – 4pm. • Pier 27: Cruise ship Star Princess in port; 8-11am 2,600 guests disembark; 11am-3pm 2,600 guest embark; ship sails at 5pm • Fleet Week air show above SF Bay, Noon – 4pm, including Blue Angels at 3pm Sunday, October 12 • Piers 15/17, 19, 35: Military ships on berth for SF Fleet Week open for public tours, 9am – 4pm. • Annual San Francisco Italian Heritage Day Parade in North Beach - Noon • Fleet Week air show above SF Bay, Noon – 4pm, including Blue Angels at 3pm Monday, October 13 • Piers 15/17, 19, 35: Military ships on berth for SF Fleet Week open for public tours, 9am – 4pm. • Golden Gate Park Band Shell: United States Marine Corp Band; local high school marching bands compete for prizes, 10am • Pier 27: Cruise ship Crown Princess in port, 7am – 11pm For more information visit: http://www.fleetweek.us/ During Fleet Week, the San Francisco Fleet Week Association and its Center for Humanitarian Assistance, and the City’s Department of Emergency Management, will conduct disaster response exercises and training programs at Marina Green bringing together military and civilian resources so that our City and our Nation are better prepared to respond to major catastrophic events. • The Coast Guard appreciates the community's traditional Fleet Week celebration and they work hard every year to help ensure it is a safe, enjoyable event for visiting military personnel and the public. • Fleet Week recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of our sea services, past and present. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are woven into the fabric of the community- neighbors, volunteers and citizens actively working together to enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area. 2 • United States Marine Corps Band will participate with 8 Bay Area high school bands in a Band competition at the Golden Gate Park band shell. • Coinciding with SF Fleet Week will be the dedication of the San Francisco Veterans Memorial in Veterans Memorial Court, adjacent to the Opera House Center for Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response Events • The Marina Green will feature the Humanitarian Assistance Village, where the U.S. Military, along with local state and federal civilian agencies and non-profits will exhibit and demonstrate humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. • There will be a number of disaster response exercise and training programs along with a senior leaders’ seminar for military and civilian government leaders to learn joint disaster response. • The San Francisco Fire Department will again provide Navy and Marine Corps junior leaders with important urban search and rescue training. • The Navy will provide the SFFD with on-board ship firefighting training and techniques. • There will be a “Dogs in Service” program featuring demonstrations of dogs trained in detection as well as therapy dogs serving military veterans. USS America Commissioning • San Francisco was selected as the commissioning site for USS America, , a city proud of its long association with the U.S. Navy • USS America (LHA 6) is an amphibious assault ship, constructed in Pascagoula, Mississippi • A ship commissioning is the act of placing a ship into active service; in this case, USS America will enter active duty status as part of the US Navy’s fleet based in San Diego. The ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10am is rooted in centuries-old naval tradition. • Ship’s Length: 844 feet; 106 feet wide, weighs approximately 51,180 tons fully loaded, with a complement of 65 officers, 994 enlisted personnel, and 1,687 Marines • Width: 106 feet; Complement: 65 officers, 994 enlisted; 1,687 Marines • USS America will be the fourth US Navy vessel named after our country and showcases the strength, resolve and commitment of a great nation • Ship is designed to operate the MV-22 Osprey, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and various helicopter aircraft to support the full spectrum of US Marine Corps military operations. • Ship will be a terrific platform to lead humanitarian and disaster response efforts in time of need • Ship’s arrival date: Monday, October 6, 2014 • Ship’s departure date: Sunday, October 12, 2014 • Assigned Berth: Piers 30/32 • Additional information may be found at the Commissioning Committee website at www.commissioningamerica.org Media Contact: Renée Dunn Martin – 415.274-0488 – [email protected] www.sfport.com 3 .