The last weekend in July 2011 was filled with excitement. We took a free tour of the USS Abraham Lincoln during Navy Week to launch our weekend of fun. Navy Week events are held in various cities throughout the nation. It is a fantastic experience if you have the time and patience to wait in line to see the massive aircraft carrier and destroyer vessels in the Port of Los Angeles. Here is the schedule:

USS Abraham Lincoln
(CVN 72) Aircraft Carrier

• OPEN FOR TOURS Saturday, July 30, 2011 10 -5
• OPEN FOR TOURS Sunday July 31, 2011 10 - 4
• DEPARTURE Monday August 1, 2011

USS Princeton (CG 59) Cruiser

• OPEN FOR TOURS Friday, July 29, 2011 10 - 5
• OPEN FOR TOURS Saturday, July 30, 2011 10 -5
• DEPARTURE Sunday, July 31, 2011

USS Chafee (DDG 90) Destroyer

• OPEN FOR TOURS Friday, July 29, 2011 10 - 5
• DEPARTURE Saturday, July 30, 2011

USS Champion
(MCM 4) Mine Countermeasures

• OPEN FOR TOURS Friday, July 29, 2011 10 - 5
• OPEN FOR TOURS Saturday, July 30, 2011 10 -5
• DEPARTURE Sunday July 31, 2011

Los Angeles Navy Week July 25 -31, 2011 offers free Public Parking & Shuttle to the Aircraft Carrier at Los Angeles World Cruise Center (Harbor Blvd. and 1st Street in San Pedro). No auto or foot traffic will be allowed for viewing the Aircraft Carrier - the public shuttle is mandatory. All persons will be subject to strict security procedures before accessing the vessels. No handicap access although an equivalency experience will be offered if desired. Tours are limited to those 8 yrs of age and older and physically able to walk through tight spaces and up/down steep ladders. Close-toed shoes only. Visitors are required to have a government-issued Photo ID and are requested to leave behind any objects, such as pocketknives, tools, and drinks - other than water, to facilitate security screenings. No bags larger than a lady's handpurse will be allowed. Backpacks and other large carrying devices are prohibited. Please pack light. Cameras are allowed and encouraged! navyweek.org or portoflosangeles.org or www.navyweek.org/losangeles2011/index.html

Other great events this weekend:

• California Coast Grunion Run
• Berkeley Kite Festival at Berkeley Marina July 30 -31, 2011
• Cambria Great Kitchens Tour
• Surf Festival July 29-31, 2011 co-hosted by Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. surffestival.org
• Dragon Boat Races in Long Beach, Long Beach Crawfish Festival, Civil War Re-enactment at El Dorado Park
• Salsa Festival in Oxnard July 30 - 31, 2011 oxnardsalsafestival.com