MORE THAN 42,500 VISITORS TOUR SHIPS DURING NAVY WEEK AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — Aug. 1, 2011 — An estimated 42,500 visitors toured four military vessels as Navy Week at the Port of Los Angeles came to a close with the departure of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln on Monday.
“We’d like to thank San Pedro, the Port of Los Angeles, the City Los Angeles and the thousands of visitors who participated in Navy Week,” said Commander Christopher Scholl. “We greatly appreciate the interest and enthusiasm this visit generated. We’re grateful to those who waited patiently to visit these magnificent ships and crew. The United States Navy is a global force for good, and it was an honor to bring America’s Navy home to the citizens of Los Angeles.”
“It was a privilege to host Navy Week and we’re thrilled that more than 42,500 visitors were able to tour these ships, experience the LA Waterfront and visit our local businesses,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “It was a great week for the Navy and the community. We hope to welcome the Navy back again in 2012.”
Businesses in Ports O’ Call and downtown San Pedro reported significant increases as thousands of tourists and Navy personnel visited throughout the week. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum also drew record crowds.
“Having Navy Week in San Pedro at the Port of Los Angeles was an honor and a fantastic opportunity for our community,” said San Pedro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Camilla Townsend. “We are proud of our fine restaurants, the arts and entertainment district, and our beautiful landmarks and many unique tourist attractions. We welcome the Navy with pride and hope they return every year.”
Los Angeles Port Police and Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Division reported no arrests or criminal incidents related to the week-long event. “Port Police and LAPD used additional resources to ensure public safety, including the L.A. Department of Transportation and the Port Business Improvement District’s team of security guards,” said Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd. “With crowds this large, we appreciate the patience our visitors showed with respect to waiting in line to tour the vessels and traffic.”
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
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