The large gray warships navigating through the thick marine layer at the city’s coastline are a constant reminder of San Diego’s longstanding association with the U.S. Navy. To spotlight the fleet — literally — Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) will hold a Navy holiday lights event on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., opening the event to the general public for the first time. Located off of Harbor Drive and 32nd Street downtown, the base will establish a driving route for motorists to navigate along the waterfront to view ships moored at the various piers, lighting up the night with their holiday embellishments. At the tour’s end, guests will have the option to park their car and take a walking tour of a ship. “We are truly delighted to invite the public to see their Navy,” said Capt. Winton Smith, NBSD’s commanding officer. “The deployable units stationed here are the same units that keep our shipping lanes open by combating pirates off the coast of Africa, serve as ambassadors of goodwill in developing countries and provide humanitarian assistance to those impacted in Japan [by the recent earthquake and tsunami].” San Diego is the principal home port of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, with more than 50 ships calling this city home — and pre-commissioned units (PCU) San Diego and Coronado among the next to join its ranks. “We look forward to showing off our great ship and crew to the waterfront, as well as the local community,” said command Master Chief Sean Snyder, the senior enlisted person aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold. “Benfold’s crew is planning on a red, white and blue holiday lighting theme that captures how deeply proud we are to serve this great nation.” Navy Band Southwest will provide entertainment and guests can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies during the event. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to give back just a little to our families, friends and the local community here in San Diego who support us throughout the year,” said Snyder. Admission is free and guests can enter NBSD at gate two, located on Harbor Drive at Belt Street. All adults are required to show a valid form of ID to enter the base. To drive a vehicle onto base, a driver’s license, current registration and proof of insurance must be presented. For more information, visit www.navyregionsouthwest.com.
