JULY 31, 2024 – Coast Guardsmen assigned to five U.S. Coast Guard cutters, CGC David Duren, CGC Henry Blake, CGC Osprey, CGC Sea Lion and CGC Terrapin, are scheduled to arrive in Seattle to participate in annual Seafair activities, July 30 – August 4.
CGC David Duren, CGC Henry Blake along with vessels from the U.S. Navy, will offer public tours and their crews will participate in annual festivities across the city.
The Seattle visit will offer the public an opportunity to tour U.S. Coast Guard cutters and meet with crews as they showcase their ships’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how sea services support national defense and freedom of the seas.
The Coast Guard Cutter David Duren will be open for public tours August 1- 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the Henry Blake will be open for public tours Aug 1-4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To ensure ship tour completion by 4 p.m., lines will be monitored for approximate entrance start time. All tours will be complete by 4 p.m., so the tour line may be cut earlier in the afternoon, depending online waiting times. It is recommended that those interested in public ship tours arrive early.
Pedestrian access to public ship tours at Seattle’s Pier 46 will be through the secondary entrance for U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle nearest the Coast Guard Museum noted in most mapping apps. General parking is not available on site. Public parking lots in the area include those at the sports 3 stadiums in walking distance of the base. From downtown Seattle, pedestrians can also use the Elliot Bay Trail to walk to the entrance.
Visit Seattle Seafair’s website for more information about the participating U.S. Coast Guard and U.S Navy vessels.
When arriving for public tours, all visitors will be required to present government-issued photo identification, 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, as there is no on-site storage. Flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes are required for tours aboard ships.
Prohibited items on board include the following:
- Weapons: including knives, firearms and club weapons
- Defensive chemicals or sprays: including mace and pepper spray; spray cans of any type
- Fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
- Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia illegal by federal standards, including cannabis
- Large bags, including backpacks, diaper bags and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but are subject to search)
- Strollers While general photography of this event is allowed, the use of drones in the area of Navy vessels is strictly prohibited.
Due to the nature of U.S. Coast Guard Cutters and U.S. Navy ships, those with limited mobility, or those who require walkers or wheelchairs, may not be allowed on ship tours for their safety. In these cases, the Coast Guard will facilitate a pier-side brief.
Media Opportunities During the ships’ visit to Seattle, media are encouraged to contact Lt. Chris Butters (206) 605-4840, or Chief Petty Officer Kip Wadlow, (206) 510-8805, regarding access to the ships, to arrange interviews with the ships’ crew or to request other related information. Please note the ships’ docking process can take up to an hour after arrival to complete.
All visitors and media require escort within the security zone at the pier and aboard the ships at all times, so advanced scheduling is required. Access to U.S. Navy ships must be arranged with Navy Public Affairs 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 identification.