L.A. Fleet Week kicks off in San Pedro — with plenty to see and do

The 10th annual L.A. Fleet Week kicked of on Friday, May 22, with an opening-day crowd getting a look at massive military equipment, including guns, tanks and helicopters — and, of course, three major ships.

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On hand to greet and educate the public about the displays were U.S. sailors and Marines, many of whom came into town on board the Navy ship USS Essex, which is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship home ported in San Diego. The 844-foot warship, which is nicknamed “The Iron Gator” and is for a wide variety of aircraft to operate from, will be docked in San Pedro’s Outer Harbor through Monday, May 25, and is one of three ships available for public tours.

The main expo, set up next to the docked Battleship Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., saw somewhat sparse crowds on Friday. But that’s not unusual for the popular event’s first day — especially since it falls on a work day. Saturday and Sunday typically draw the biggest crowds of the four-day event. And usually, thousands of people descend on San Pedro’s waterfront over the course of the long holiday weekend to enjoy Fleet Week.

Courtney Alexander of San Pedro was there with her family, including a 2-year-old daughter and sons aged 3 and 13. They’ve been coming to Fleet Week for about three years, Alexander said, with the military equipment, vehicles and equipment being the big draw.

Visiting the massive helicopters, she said, is always a must.

Sgt. Gideon McConnon, who hails from Michigan and joined the U.S. Marines four years ago, was on hand to show off a Super Hughey rescue helicopter. It quickly became a popular piece of equipment to take photos in and and around for youngsters and adults alike.

“It’s good to see the people,” McConnon said of the Friday crowd, in between answering questions from the public.

New this year was a pickleball tournament on Friday — which included civilians and service members playing together.

On the main expo stage, there was an initial qualifying round for the popular “Military Has Talent” contest, which will culminate with the finalists competing against each other before Fleet Week is over.

At the Battleship Iowa booth, meanwhile, visitors were buying up ship-themed T-shirts, mugs and hats.

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And while not the cheeriest subject, the California governor’s office sponsored a table with everything you need to be prepared for the next earthquake. There was even a stationary truck people could sit in to experience a 7.0 shaker. Materials included hand lists of items to collect in case of an emergency — and bags all of it can be stored in.

The Navy’s environmental program — Stewards of the Sea — was also on hand to showcase the work the military branch is doing to help bring back endangered species and focus on environmental stewardship.

Many people are surprised to learn the Navy has such a group, said public affairs officer Sergio Hernandez. Citing one instance in his own background, an aircraft carrier once went to great lengths to avoid a pod of whales up ahead.

The biggest reaction the environmental program booth gets, he said, “is shock that it’s here. ‘You have a what?’”

The group is made up of scientists and conducts outreach, with Hernandez having a planned meeting this weekend with the staff at AltaSea, San Pedro’s marine research center.

Also on hand was the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which was providing information about career opportunities.

Food trucks are also prominent at Fleet Week for those who get peckish while checking out the ships and other military equipment.

Day 2 of Fleet Week, meanwhile, is when things will really pick up, with Saturday’s stage lineup featuring aerial demonstrations, more pickleball action, the popular Galley Wars event (12-2:30 p.m.), a hot dog-eating contest (2:30-3 p.m.), a 3 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Battleship Iowa’s “Life of a Sailor” exhibit, and a concert from 4 to 7 p.m. on the main expo stage.

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Information and schedules are available at lafleetweek.com.