VESSELS ANNOUNCED FOR MARYLAND FLEET WEEK & AIR SHOW BALTIMORE
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BALTIMORE, MD (September 30, 2016) – More than a dozen vessels from Canada and various branches of the United States military will sail into the Port of Baltimore as part of the inaugural Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore October 10-17. Baltimore is one of seven elite cities to host the U.S. Navy Fleet Week in 2016, and additionally, is honored to be the chosen location for the October 15th commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy’s newest vessel, the USS Zumwalt.Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore celebrates the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and is the legacy of the 2012 Star-Spangled Sailabration and 2014 Star-Spangled Spectacular events held in Baltimore. The weeklong event is planned by the Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism, and Historic Ships in Baltimore in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. Northrop Grumman Corporation, whose Mission Systems sector is headquartered in Linthicum, is the event’s title sponsor.Ships arrive between 8am and 3pm on Wednesday, October 12. They will be docked at several locations, including the Fells Point Broadway Pier, Inner Harbor (West Wall, Piers 1 South, Pier 3 South, Pier 4 South, Pier 5 West and Pier 5 South) and North Locust Point (Pier 3 and Pier 4). In addition to using public transportation to get to the ships, visitors are encouraged to “Use Your Feet to See the Fleet.”A public Welcome Ceremony will occur at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater beginning at 4pm and will feature a performance by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band. The remarks will be followed by a Parade of Sail by participating schooners from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. In addition to free public visitation of participating ships, there will be numerous exhibits and military demonstrations throughout the week showcasing the latest technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of Maryland and the city of Baltimore to meet nearly 3,100 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. Visiting ships will join Baltimore’s historic and commercial boats, which will be open for tours and cruises* at their regular admission prices. These include Historic Ships in Baltimore (US Sloop-of-War Constellation, US Submarine Torsk, US Coast Guard Cutter Taney, and Lightship 116 Chesapeake), Pride of Baltimore II, Sea Dogs, Urban Pirates, Watermark Cruises, Spirit Cruises and the Water Taxi. The N.S. Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship and a National Historic Landmark, is berthed at Pier 13 within the Canton Marine Terminal. The vessel will be open from Thursday to Sunday, October 13-16, from 1pm to 6pm for the public. Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore visiting ships to include:United States Navy
  Corporal Jason L. Dunham was born on 10 November 1981 in Scio, New York. The date may seem insignificant to those who don’t know its history. The ones who do know its significance celebrate this day – faithfully – each year. November 10th is the United States Marine Corps birthday… a birthday that Jason Dunham shares. Corporal Jason L. Dunham was 22 years old when he left us. He came from the small town of Scio (sigh-oh) population 1900. It’s the kind of town where everyone knows your name… where values and respect still mean something. It was here, along a winding country road filled with rolling-meadows, and a swift moving creek, that Jason L. Dunham was brought into this world. As you turn into the Dunham’s long driveway that leads to their house, the breeze catches a yellow ribbon tied to the mailbox and the story begins to unfold. The further you drive; two flags adorn the front porch, an American flag and the United States Marine Corps flag. And both seem to play the same quiet song, and yet both stand tall for this fallen young man. There is a final reminder that Jason Dunham is no longer with us… a blue star in the front window has been replaced by a gold star, symbolizing the Dunham family loss. On April 14, 2004, 3 days after Easter Sunday, Corporal Dunham was manning a checkpoint in Karabilah, Iraq, when an insurgent leapt from his car and began choking Corporal Dunham. A scuffle ensued as two Marines approached to help. Reportedly, the last words from Corporal Dunham were, “No, No. Watch his hand.” Suddenly, the insurgent dropped a grenade. Corporal Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, dropped to the ground, and covered the explosive as best he could. The blast seriously wounded all 3 Marines. Eight days later, Corporal Jason L. Dunham died at Bethesda Naval Hospital from wounds he received in the incident. He was 22. Corporal Dunham made the ultimate sacrifice, and in doing so saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Due to his actions on that fateful day, Corporal Dunham has been awarded the Medal of Honor.
Royal Canadian Navy
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Army Reserve
(Note: USAV – United States Army Vessel) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Logistical Information: Ship tours are free of charge and are scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, October 13-16, from 1pm to 6pm with no tours at North Locust Point on Saturday, October 15, due to the USS Zumwalt commissioning event. Visitors are asked to plan ahead, arrive early, and pay careful attention to all posted parking signs, road closures, and ongoing transportation announcements. Residents and visitors alike should be aware that Saturday, October 15 is also the Baltimore Running Festival (aka Baltimore Marathon), and will require multiple road closures and cause traffic delays within Baltimore City. Taking the Light Rail or Metro is strongly recommended for Saturday to ease any traffic congestion due to the running festival. Within the downtown Baltimore area, visitors are encouraged to “Use Your Feet to See the Fleet.” A Fleet Week Shuttle to the U.S. Navy ships in North Locust Point leaves from the Inner Harbor Visitor Center on Light Street during ship visiting hours Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (no shuttle on Saturday). Other public transportation alternatives include the Charm City Circulator Banner Route or the MTA Bus Route 1 from the Inner Harbor. The Charm City Circulator and the MTA Bus will run on modified schedules and routes on Saturday, October 15 until 5 p.m. due to the Baltimore Running Festival. The Baltimore Water Taxi will also be operating to Fort McHenry. Additional activities throughout the week will include the Chesapeake Galley & Beer Garden, (a festival in the Inner Harbor on October 13-16 featuring Chesapeake-inspired dining and local craft beers), official visits by Navy leadership to select schools and community organizations, crew sporting competitions, community service projects, educational activities on-board the ships, musical entertainment and much more. Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore is expected to bring visitors to Baltimore and the region, which will contribute to the economy through increased hotel bookings and spending at restaurants, shops and retail outlets. Throughout the week-long celebration, visitors can tag photos and share videos on social media platforms using the hashtag #MDfleetweek and #SelfieWithaSailor. For the latest updates, more information and a complete list of activities taking place during Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore,visit www.mdfleetweek.com. *Cruise and tour schedules will be modified on October 15 & 16 due to the air show. About Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore (October 10-17, 2016) About Historic Ships in Baltimore |
