San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week has just come to an end, having thrilled millions of viewers with air shows, boat parades, its Humanitarian Assistance Village, and more. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.

By Cameron Kay

During Oct. 3-10, crowds have gathered at Marina Green for San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week festivities. Fleet Week is an annual public event honoring the United States Military that attracts millions of people each year for its legendary air show, parade of ships, and other community events.

People gather in boats at Marina Green on Saturday to watch as pilot Michael Wiskus of Lucas Oil Air Shows flies low over the bay. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.
 

Wiskus continues his dizzying routine with a series of corkscrews in his Pitts S-1-11B, the last of the famous Pitts Special line. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.
 

Pilots Dean “Wilbur” Wright, Rob “Stache” Hutchison, John “Bordz” Posson, Paul “Sticky” Strickland, and Scott “Banker” Ind of the Patriots Jet Team fly Aero L-39 Albatrosses in tight formation streaming red, white, and blue across the sky. Rob “Scratch” Mitchell is the sixth member of this team, but is not pictured in this particular formation. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.

United Airlines contributes a Boeing 747 to do a few comparatively much slower circles over Marina Green. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.

Legendary aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker of Team Oracle does consecutive barrel rolls in a high-energy routine in his Oracle Challenger III biplane, which is said to be capable of producing 400 horsepower at only 1,200 lbs, according to Team Oracle’s web page. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.

Four of the six United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, streak across the sky in their McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets. The Blue Angels are known for their remarkably precise routines, sometimes flying just 18 inches from each other. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.
 

Another feature of Fleet Week is a Humanitarian Assistance Village which is an interactive demonstration of the U.S. Military and Civil capabilities in responding to a disaster. Pictured are two marines at a booth to educate people about Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Missions. This booth was one of many run by military personnel at Marina Green. Staff photo by Cameron Kay.

While the allure of Fleet Week is partly spectacle, it’s also about appreciating what the U.S. Armed Forces do. Look out for Fleet Week next October and join the millions who watch all over San Francisco for a small dose of thrills and patriotism.