U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has given the green light for the Navy Open House at Naval Air Station North Island, September 21-22, a Fleet Week San Diego event.
“I’m excited that Naval Base Coronado has obtained approval to host the 2013 Coronado Speed Festival,” says Commanding Officer Captain Gary Mayes. “This Open House event is an excellent opportunity for San Diego and the surrounding communities to come out and tour Navy ships and aircraft, as well as see some unique cars and racing.”
This event will allow the community the opportunity to get a glimpse into a Navy base that is the workplace of more than 31,000 service members and civilians, and otherwise closed to the public. The Open House will include ship tours and static displays of aircraft and other military vehicles.
The NASNI Open House has hosted the Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival for 16 years running. The “Race at the Base” is one of San Diego’s most successful fundraisers for the military and offers a variety of pulse-quickening events, including more than 250 historic race cars taking to the specially-constructed track on the runway.
This year, Coronado Speed Festival pays tribute to the 40th Anniversary of the release of the Vietnam POWs. San Diego-area members of that group will represent the vets as military Honorary Grand Marshal and will be honored during the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday.
[mappress] Press Release, August 27, 2013; Image: