Ships parade in Seattle for ‘Great White Fleet’
Photo by MC2 Jason Beckjord
A Navy hovercraft craft skims the waters of Elliott Bay in Seattle, astern of the USS Rushmore (LSD-47), during a parade of ships in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet.
By MC2 Maebel Tinoko
Fleet PACEN NWFriday, May 23, 2008
USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and USS Preble (DDG 88), accompanied by a Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, participated in a
traditional Parade of Ships by sailing through Seattle’s Elliott Bay as part of the 100th Great White Fleet centennial, May 20.
Hundreds of Sailors, dignitaries, Navy officials and guests gathered on the Bell Harbor Rooftop Plaza at Pier 66 to watch the parade of
ships and observe a Great White Fleet commemoration ceremony.
“It’s truly a pleasure to be here today, and this ceremony is a special tribute to the history of the U.S. Navy,” said Bill Larson, president
of the Seattle Council of the Navy League of the United States. “I want to recognize all the people in uniform present here today for their
service to our nation.”
In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet from Hampton Roads, Va., on a
world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate international goodwill. For one Sailor, the ceremony was a
way to relive history through reenactments of events in history.
“This is how we remember our naval history, and the city continues to honor the traditions of the Navy,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class
(SW/AW) Erika Lamar, Navy Recruiting District Seattle. “I am excited about the Great White Fleet festivities that are happening in Seattle.”
In recognition of the Great White Fleet’s visit, Mayor Greg Nickels and Larson presented a golden key to the city to Navy officials.
Nickels said today we remember our history and celebrate it each year to commemorate our relationship with the Navy.
“Our city welcomes the Navy to the city,” added Nickels. “I would like to say thank you to all the men and women who serve for our
country to protect our city, our state and our nation.”
In an official message, the Honorable Donald Winter, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), said that Theodore Roosevelt’s idea to send
a fleet of 16 U.S. battleships on a world tour was a dramatic gesture aimed at audiences both at home and abroad.
“To the world, the message was that the United States had arrived as a significant world power, outward-looking, and filled with
goodwill towards every nation,” said Winter. “To the public of this great country, the message was that you have a Navy to be proud
of, and that the strength of the U.S. Navy is a primary source of our status as a nation of influence and power.”
Alan Stephens and I were at the Great White Fleet Gala aboard the USS Rushmore LSD 47
Fight Deck of the USS Rushmore. Their hanger was used for the reception and all of the great food.
Being the Chief I am I had to grab me one of those Babes from 1908 --- Not bad looking!
Theodore Roosevelt was also there and was one of the speaker at the gala on the pier. The navy also had the band playing 1908 hits. Our flash was not good enough to get pictures in the tent on the pier.
Alan and I also had a good visit in chiefs quarters.
