Category Archives: Fleet Week

San Francisco Fleet Week 2025: HMCS Nanaimo

The San Francisco waterfront where people could tour visiting ships docked at the Port of San Francisco and experience what life is like for the sailors who serve aboard them — including our visiting Colombian and Canadian naval crews. Step aboard, explore the decks, and get a firsthand glimpse into their day-to-day duties at sea.

Below are some pictures taken from a variety of social media websites of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds participation.

Some footage of the HMCS Nanaimo at the San Francisco Fleet Week 2025. Video taken from the following sources:

San Francisco Fleet Week 2025: Canadian Forces Snowbirds

The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show is held annually between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Presented by United attracts fans from all over the globe. The waterfront event was headlined by The Canadian Snowbirds and was the only air show in the United States with a commercial airliner, the United 777, to perform a fully choreographed act.

Below are some pictures taken from a variety of social media websites of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds participation.

Some footage of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds at the San Francisco Fleet Week 2025. Video taken from the following sources:

San Francisco Fleet Week 2025

San Francisco Fleet Week is California’s largest annual civic event—a city-wide celebration that honors the sea services and the men and women who serve in uniform. Since 1981, San Francisco Fleet Week has united military and civilian communities through an unforgettable series of public events, including ship tours, community concerts, public safety and military response exhibits, STEM education activations, and our world-famous San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show presented by United, held over San Francisco Bay.

Traditionally, San Francisco Fleet Week is anchored by two signature events: the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show presented by United, and Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32. The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show presented by United—held at Marina Green Park and headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels—is the only air show in the United States to feature a fully choreographed commercial airline performance: the United Airlines Boeing 777. Fleet Fest, located on Piers 30/32 directly in front of the largest visiting U.S. Navy ship, is one of the week’s most vibrant public destinations. It features live music, local food vendors, and a variety of entertainment for all ages. The event also offers public ship tours and interactive exhibits focused on military readiness, STEM education, and community-based emergency response. Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.

Together, these two hallmark experiences form the heart of San Francisco Fleet Week, unfolding along the city’s iconic waterfront.

However, the 2025 historic edition of San Francisco Fleet Week featured:

ABC 7 News – Canadian HMCS Nanaimo, Snowbirds arrive for SF Fleet Week: ‘Glad to be there for our partners’
Original news item available at https://abc7news.com/amp/post/san-francisco-fleet-week-2025-canadian-navys-hmcs-nanaimo-arrives-bay-area/17980682/

Canadian Forces Participation in San Francisco Fleet Week 2025

[UPDATED 11 OCTOBER 2025]

Comrades,

We hope the disorganization that we are witnessing in the organization of the San Francisco Fleet Week is due to the uncertainty created by the government shutdown and not indicative of their normal practices. For those who haven’t been following along, today is day four of their 9-day event, and their website still has “Coming soon!” listed on many pieces of their website (including the Ship Tour information for today, as well as incorrect information about who will be attending. Even their Facebook page, which can allow real time updates, is still woefully unhelpful.

What we can tell you is that the Canadian Forces will have strong representation at the event, and that has been widely reported in the media:

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (see https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/showcasing/snowbirds.html and https://www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC/ ) will be the star of the Air Show, which will be happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4pm.  The schedule is as follows:

Opening Ceremonies -12:15 PM
United Airlines 777 Demo – 12:25 PM
Jack Aces P-51 Demo Team – 12:37 PM
Patriots Jet Team – 12:52 PM
Acemaker T-33 – 1:37 PM
Jack Aces P-51 Demo Team – 2:09 PM
Randy Howell/Cory Lovell – 2:26 PM
United Airlines 777 Demo – 2:36 PM
Canadian Snowbirds – 2:48 PM

The HMCS Nanaimo (see https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/ships-histories/nanaimo.html and https://www.facebook.com/nan702 ) will also be in port. Public tours of the HMCS Nanaimo are on Sunday, 12 October from 10am to 4pm at Pier 19.

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WE NEED YOUR HELP – Keep the SS Jeremiah O’Brien Sailing

Members in the Bay Area may be interested in this unique opportunity during San Francisco Fleet Week.


SS Jeremiah O'Brien SS Jeremiah O’Brien
Friends of the O’Brien,

We need to be honest with you. Fleet Week is one of the most important times of year for the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, and this year’s government shutdown has left us in real danger. With the Blue Angels and U.S. Military absent from Fleet Week 2025, ticket sales are not where they need to be. Without your help, our future is at risk.

The Fleet Week Cruises have always provided a substantial portion of our operating revenue. If we don’t sell as many tickets as possible this year, we face a serious challenge to keep this ship afloat and prepare for our vital 2027 drydock.

But Fleet Week is not canceled. International ships will still be arriving in San Francisco, and the Canadian Snowbirds have generously agreed to stand in for the absent Blue Angels and provide an hour and a half long airshow. And most importantly, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien will still sail, rain or shine.

This year, your ticket means more than ever:

  • A day on the Bay aboard the only original and operational WWII Liberty Ship.
  • The farewell performance of the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
  • Hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, along with docent-led ship tours
  • Our Silent Auction with unique naval memorabilia and tour opportunities
  • Or just sit back and enjoy the sights of San Francisco Bay as you rarely have the opportunity to see them!

Ticket Prices:

  • Adults: $195
  • Youth (8–18): $125
  • Family Package (2 adults + 2 youth): $550
  • Children 7 and under: Free

Tickets are non-refundable, and every dollar directly supports the operation of the O’Brien.

Boarding: 8:30 AM | Departure: 10:00 AM | Return: 5:00 PM
Tickets will also be available at the pier on the day of sailing.

It’s important to remember: Liberty Ships were not military warships, but Merchant Marine vessels. Crewed by civilian mariners with support from Naval gunners, they carried the supplies that made victory over fascism possible during World War 2. The O’Brien is one of just two Liberty Ships still sailing in the world.

If you’ve ever thought of joining us for Fleet Week, now is the time. We need your support more than ever. Please don’t wait! Reserve today, or plan to purchase your ticket at the door. Your presence this Fleet Week may be the difference in keeping the O’Brien alive for generations to come.

👉 Reserve Your Tickets Now

With gratitude and urgency,
— The SS Jeremiah O’Brien Crew

SS Jeremiah O Brien
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National Liberty Ship Memorial
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