San Francisco prepares to welcome crowds back to Fleet Week

After a year of virtual celebration due to the pandemic, in-person Fleet Week festivities return Sunday   to San Francisco.

Spectators will gather again around The City’s waterfront to gaze on the military ships in the bay and awe at the Blue Angels in the sky.

The event, now in its 40th year, has attracted millions of visitors in the past. Mary Ellen Caroll, executive director for the Department of Emergency Management, said plans have been made well in advanced of Fleet Week to ensure visitor and resident safety.

Carroll said:

“During Fleet Week, our emergency operations center will be activated, and we will be monitoring all activities throughout the week.”

Despite most public Fleet Week events returning this year, Covid-19 is still a concern, public health Director Dr. Grant Colfax said Friday. He reminded people that proof of vaccination is required of anyone aged 12 and older before entering indoor restaurants, bars and other spaces that serve food and drinks.

Colfax said masks are required indoors on federal property, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, he encouraged people to mask up outdoors when in large crowds.

Deputy Chief Daniel Perea with the San Francisco Police Department said officers will be patrolling all venues by foot, bike and vehicle. The department’s Marina Unit will patrol the bay.

Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said his deputies will be working in coordination with police and other safety agencies, adding:

“The most important thing is to be a visible deterrence to any shenanigans, any tomfoolery that may occur.”

Caroll said people attending Fleet Week can sign up to receive emergency alerts by texting to 888777 with the word “FLEETWEEKSF.”

Fleet Week runs from Sunday to Monday, Oct. 11. Further information about specific events can be found online.