San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and the San Francisco Fleet Week Association today announced this year’s San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) will be dedicated to the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last week. As the 38th Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, she began this annual tradition in 1981, leading the nation in celebrating America’s sea services.
“As we dedicate this year’s San Francisco Fleet Week in honor of Senator Feinstein, we remember her contributions to San Francisco and our nation,” said Mayor London Breed. “For over four decades, Senator Feinstein’s foresight has provided our City the opportunity to welcome and celebrate those who serve and support our country. We are proud to continue this important tradition and thank our service members for their work and commitment to partnering with the first responders from our public safety departments to make sure San Francisco is prepared when a disaster strikes.”
“Since Dianne Feinstein began the tradition more than four decades ago, San Francisco Fleet Week has served as a glorious celebration of civic pride and patriotism in our City,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “How fitting it is that, as our City pays tribute to Senator Feinstein’s towering legacy this week, we proudly dedicate this year’s Fleet Week in her honor. She was a pillar of public service in San Francisco, who fought relentlessly for our families and our values from City Hall to Capitol Hill. Dianne Feinstein will always be considered our Forever Mayor, and we will continue to honor her extraordinary life and leadership.”
In honor of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Patriots Jet Team -- a civilian aerobatic formation team that performs in air shows across the western United States of America -- will fly over San Francisco at 12:57 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday to commemorate the late Senator’s contributions to San Francisco and the nation, prior to the 3 p.m. Blue Angels portion.
“The entire San Francisco Fleet Week community is saddened by the loss of our Honorary Co-Chair, Senator Dianne Feinstein,” said Lewis Loeven, Executive Director of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association. “Along with her incredible record of service to our country, the State of California and the City of San Francisco, Senator Feinstein was also the founder of San Francisco Fleet Week. With the creation of San Francisco Fleet Week, Senator Feinstein created a lasting community celebration that honors the fine people serving in our military. She was an active and enjoyable advocate for Fleet Week. Her enthusiastic participation in Fleet Week events will truly be missed.”
The 42nd Annual San Francisco Fleet Week celebration officially kicked off on Monday of this week and will close on Tuesday, October 10. More than 2,300 U.S. Marines and Sailors will join San Francisco-based U.S. Coast Guard during the 2023 Salute to our sea services and pay tribute to Senator Feinstein.
Fleet Week also coincides with another beloved City tradition – Italian Heritage Weekend. Combined, the SFFW's air show, the Parade of Ships, and many community events have become a significant and integral part of the City’s culture, economy, and tourism. SFFW also features a unique training and education program that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance.
For information on this year’s air show schedule and all of the public events during Fleet Week, please visit www.fleetweeksf.org.
###