SEATTLE - The 2009 Seafair Fleet will include two Navy destroyers homeported in Everett, Wash., the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf homported in Alameda, Calif., and two Canadian vessels. The Navy destroyers, part of a carrier strike group, arrive at the Seattle waterfront at Terminal 30 on July 28 and will remain until August 3.

There will be several media opportunities throughout the week to interview Sailors and Navy dignitaries or broadcast aboard one of the ships.

Media Opportunities

Tuesday, July 28

• Ships will arrive at Terminal 30, 12:30 p.m -1:30 p.m., Terminal 30 secured area two hours prior to arrival.
• Ship riders include Tribal youth, Sea Cadets, Everett city leaders, and civic groups.
• Opportunity for evening broadcasts onboard ships and interview with native Sailors.

Wednesday, July 29

• Ride in Parade of Ships (riders board at 8:30 a.m., ship returns at 2 p.m.)
• 500 guests riding onboard each ship
• U.S. Naturalization ceremony for 15 service members during the embark
• Opportunity to embark and ride the ship during parade
• Opportunity for morning show broadcast on the pier prior to embark (may be possible to interview ship commanders)
• View Parade of Ships with Navy dignitaries at Bell Tower 
• Navy Band Northwest performing on the roof
• Parade will include ships and Black Hawk helicopter fly-by
• Interview Navy dignitaries in attendance (after the ceremony), including the Coast Guard Commandant, Chief of Naval Operations, Commander of U.S. Third Fleet, and the Commander of Navy Region Northwest.

Thursday, July 30  - Saturday, August 1

• Ships open for free public tours 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Navy displays and vehicles
• Opportunity for morning show or weather broadcast each day
• Opportunity to film walk-through ship tour highlights

Sunday, August 2

• Ships open for free public tours half day 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Navy displays and vehicles

Monday, August 3

• Ships all depart Seattle waterfront 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Please note: Tour schedules are subject to change. Media require escort within the security perimeter at the pier and onboard the ships at all times. Access to U.S. Navy ships must be arranged prior to arriving at the security checkpoint. Media should be prepared to present two forms of identification: one from their affiliation and one government-issued photo ID.

A follow up Public Service Announcement will also be provided regarding public tours.

For more information about the U.S. Navy, visit http://www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp

Further information about Seafair events may be found at http://www.seafair.com/.

About Public Tours and Safety

When arriving for tours, all visitors will be required to present a government-issued photo ID and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships. All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the security zone. Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour, and are recommended to wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes.

Prohibited items on board include the following:

• Weapons of any kind, including knives, firearms and mace
• Fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
• Illegal drugs and drug-related paraphernalia
• Large baggage, including backpacks and diaper bags (small camera bags and handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)