Scene on the Sound: U.S. Navy ship USS Sampson in Seattle for Seafair Fleet Week

USS Sampson makes its way from its Everett home port to Seattle for Fleet Week
Photo by Lee Wolfe

SEATTLE – Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke class Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) have arrived in Seattle to participate in annual Seafair activities, July 30 – August 4.

USS Sampson (DDG 102), along with vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard, offer public tours and its crew will participate in annual festivities across the city.

The Seattle visit will offer the public an opportunity to tour a U.S. Navy warship and meet with Sailors 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.

USS Sampson (DDG 102) is open for public tours August 1- 4, 2024 from 10am to 4pm. 

To ensure ship tour completion by 4pm, lines will be monitored for approximate entrance start time. All tours will be complete by 4pm, so the tour line may be cut earlier in the afternoon, depending on line 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 at 1519 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, WA 98134

General parking is not available on site. Public parking lots in the area include those at the sports 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 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. 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 Navy will facilitate a pier-side brief.

Information about USS Sampson here