Seafair Fleet Week 2025 kicks off with Parade of Ships in Elliott Bay

Seafair Fleet Week 2025 kicks off with Parade of Ships in Elliott Bay

The USS San Diego (LPD-22) came into Elliott Bay today as part of the Seafair Parade of Ships as paddleboarders from the Alki Adventure Camps looked on.

It is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy. It is the fourth ship to be named after San Diego, California, and was commissioned in 2012. The USS San Diego (LPD-22) is designed to transport and deploy Marines and their equipment for amphibious operations. 

Photo by David Rosen Slick Pix Photography

Tue, 07/29/2025


The Seafair Parade of Ships sailed into Seattle on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, marking the official start of Fleet Week under clear blue skies, warm summer temperatures, and a refreshing breeze. 

Spectators lined the shores of West Seattle and the Seattle Waterfront to witness the dramatic arrival.

Leading the procession into Elliott Bay was the Seattle Fire Department’s fireboat Leschi, its water cannons spraying high into the air in a festive salute. Behind it followed the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), the guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and Navy tug YT-801 Washtucna, nestled between the two larger vessels.

The decks of both Navy ships were lined with sailors in dress whites, standing at attention as the ships approached the city. Helicopters could also be seen on the flight deck of the Somerset, offering a glimpse into the ship’s operational capabilities.

 

navy ships
photo by David Rosen - Slick Pix Photography

 

sailors
Sailors lined the deck in dress whites as they came into the Bay. Photo by David Rosen - SlickPix Photography

 

fire boat
The Seattle Fire boat Leschi greeted the sailors with a watery salute. Photo by David Rosen - SlickPix Photography

 

is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight III) Aegis guided missile destroyer, the first of the Flight III variants.
The USS Jack H. Lucas is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight III) Aegis guided missile destroyer, the first of the Flight III variants. Photo by David Rosen - SlickPix Photography 



Fleet Week Ship Tours & Exhibits – July 31 to August 3

Pier 46 will be open for free ship tours of both the USS Somerset and USS Jack H. Lucas, offering a rare inside look at active-duty U.S. Navy vessels.

In addition, USCG Base Seattle welcomes the public from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday, with a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays, including:
U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps exhibits

  • Static artillery displays
  • Military working dog demonstrations
  • Pugil stick simulator
  • Humvee showcase
  • Exhibits from the Navy League, Puget Sound Navy Museum, and Applied Physics Laboratory
  • Food booths
  • Meet-and-greets with active-duty sailors from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard


Whether you're a military enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or simply curious about Fleet Week, there’s something for everyone at Seafair Fleet Week 2025.

All photos © 2025 David Rosen/SlickPix Photography

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West Seattle Herald