In what has become a Memorial Day tradition in Southern California, LA Fleet Week® returns to the Port of Los Angeles with a multi-day schedule packed with educational and entertaining activities.
The celebration honoring men and women — past and present — of the United States Armed Forces, LA Fleet Week is free and open to the public.
Taking place on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles, LA Fleet Week will offer free tours of visiting active-duty military ships. This year, a Navy aircraft carrier will be showcased, the first to visit Los Angeles since the USS Abraham Lincoln participated in Navy Days in 2011. Ship tours will be available through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Planned events are expected to draw thousands of active-duty service members, friends and families to enjoy a week of activities and events across the Southland. The Downtown San Pedro Welcome Party will be held on Thursday, May 23 from 5-9 p.m. in historic downtown San Pedro. The Wilmington Welcome Party, a homestyle family picnic, will take place at the Banning House Museum in Wilmington, Friday, May 24, from 5:30-9 p.m. Free and open to the public, both welcome parties will feature food and live entertainment.
An active-duty U.S. Coast Guard Cutter will be docked in Downtown Harbor and available for tours. Visitors can also check out the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and learn about the nautical history of the L.A. Harbor Area.
On Memorial Day, the last aircraft carrier ship tour shuttles will depart at noon, while US Coast Guard Cutter tours will continue until 4 p.m. All ship tours are on a first-come, first-served basis with shuttle bus lines forming at the LA Fleet Week EXPO, adjacent to the Battleship IOWA.
Visitors interested in ship tours are encouraged to arrive early, look for parking in downtown San Pedro, and walk to the EXPO. Outer Harbor parking is also available, with shuttles taking visitors from parking lots to the Expo.
LA Fleet Week was created through a unique public-private partnership to connect Southern Californians with the men and women of the United States Sea Services.
For more information on LA Fleet Week and updates, visit lafleetweek.com.
