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Press Release | Oct. 5, 2024

Coast Guard takes part in San Francisco Fleet Week

U.S. Coast Guard District 11 Phone: 206-815-6689

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard will participate in the annual San Francisco Fleet Week from October 6 to 14 in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

On-water security zones will be in place during Fleet Week activities October 10 through 13. To ensure the safety of participants and spectators on San Francisco Bay, the U.S. Coast Guard has enacted regulated areas, published in the Federal Register and advertised by Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and law enforcement vessels will be patrolling the regulated areas to ensure all Fleet Week events are conducted safely.

  • No vessel will be permitted to cross the parade line and security zones or interfere with the safe transit of the parade of ship participants in any way.
  • A 500-yard security zone will also be in effect around each naval vessel while they are underway, and a 100-yard security zone will be in effect while they are moored.

“Our top priority every day and especially during Fleet Week is to ensure the safety of participants and spectators on the San Francisco Bay,” said Capt. Jordan Baldueza, commander Coast Guard Sector San Francisco and Captain of the Port. “Our Coast Guard members hope to interact with the public and have some fun, and we hope that our presence at Fleet Week will be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about us.” 

Additionally, the Coast Guard will showcase its capabilities and commitment to the community through various public engagements, including ship tours of the National Security Cutter Bertholf (WMSL-750), search-and-rescue demonstrations and recruiting booths with static displays at the Fleet Week Expo on the Marina Green and more. 

  • Tour the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf October 10th, 12th and 13th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pier 35 in San Francisco.

“As fellow members of the Bay Area community, members of the Coast Guard appreciate the support of the local and surrounding communities year-round, but Fleet Week is always a special event that provides meaningful interaction between the general public and military servicemembers,” said Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander Coast Guard Eleventh District. “We look forward to seeing everyone out there next week.”

San Francisco Fleet Week is a multi-day event that celebrates our nation's sea services and offers the public a unique opportunity to engage with the men and women serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps. 

Due to the expected increase of vessel traffic on the water during Fleet Week, the Coast Guard is emphasizing the importance of safe boating practices for all those who will view the Fleet Week events from the water.

  • Ensure that all your safety gear is in proper working order and ensure your vessel is seaworthy.
  • Inspect your flares and ensure that they will work if needed.
  • Ensure that every person on your vessel has a life jacket that fits properly.
    • Children under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket while on the deck of the boat. 
  • Have a properly working VHF-radio with Channel 16 capabilities. 
    • Due to the high mountainous areas throughout the region, boaters should not rely on their cell phones as a means of communication. 
    • VHF channel 16 is an emergency frequency similar to 911, and should not be used for any other communications.
  • File a float plan with a friend.
    • Include an approximate time of return and location to which you will be heading. 
    • Check in regularly with those who are aware of your plan, especially if your plan should change.
  • Avoid alcohol while operating a boat.
    • Boating while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Boaters charged with a BUI in the state of California are subject to state DUI and federal penalties, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.
  • Boaters are also reminded to not overload their boat with passengers. Excess passengers onboard a vessel may cause the boat to be unstable in the water and increases the risk of capsizing.

For more safe boating information, visit: http://uscgboating.org/

Media interested in interviewing Coast Guard personnel during San Francisco Fleet Week can contact District 11 Public Affairs via email padetsf@uscg.mil or at 206-815-6689. 

The U.S. Coast Guard invites the public to celebrate our nation's sea services and meet our Coast Guard members. For more information about San Francisco Fleet Week, click here.