Fleet Week opened with a familiar wake on Tuesday as the Seafair Parade of Ships slipped past West Seattle and into Elliott Bay, led by Coast Guard cutters, Seattle Fire Department fireboats and a lone Navy ship. Spectators lined Alki and Duwamish Head while the procession worked its way east toward the downtown waterfront.
Ships in the procession
As noted by the West Seattle Blog, the parade featured just one U.S. Navy ship, the littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati, sailing alongside U.S. Coast Guard vessels and Seattle Fire Department fireboats. The local post also pointed out that organizers did not publish a participant list in advance this year, turning the lineup into a live surprise for anyone watching from shore. A hull number seen in coverage, WMSL-752, corresponds to the Legend-class cutter Stratton, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
USS Cincinnati and the Navy's presence
The U.S. Navy describes USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) as an Independence-variant littoral combat ship built for near-shore missions. Navy materials characterize the class as fast and modular, designed to handle surface warfare, mine-countermeasure work and antisubmarine operations. Cincinnati has already been active in Pacific operations earlier this year, a deployment history that helps explain its spot in Seattle's Fleet Week lineup.
Ship tours at Pier 66
Seafair says U.S. Navy ships will be open for public tours at Pier 66 on Wednesday and Thursday, with visiting hours set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and lines managed so that all tours wrap up by 7 p.m. As outlined by Seafair, visitors must bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID, go through airport-style security screening and follow rules on prohibited items and required footwear while on board.
Safety zones and on-water rules
The U.S. Coast Guard enforces safety and security zones around parade vessels during Fleet Week. Federal regulations set a moving 500-yard buffer around participating ships while they transit Puget Sound, and boaters are expected to keep clear. Mariners and small craft must follow directions from Coast Guard crews on scene and avoid loitering in the parade column under federal rule 33 CFR 165.1333.
Where to watch from West Seattle
On the West Seattle side, favorite viewing spots for the parade include Duwamish Head, Luna/Anchor Park and the Alki Beach promenade, all of which offer clear sightlines as ships swing east into Elliott Bay. The West Seattle Blog shared photos and running notes from Tuesday's procession that track the route and capture the familiar water-cannon salutes from the fireboats.
Why Fleet Week matters
Seattle's Fleet Week is a long-running Seafair tradition that gives the public a close look at Navy and Coast Guard operations, along with static displays and demonstrations along the waterfront. Seafair also notes that the 2026 edition lines up with national 250th anniversary observances, adding an extra layer of ceremony to this year's events.
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