NORFOLK, Va. — Fleet Fest is coming back to Naval Station Norfolk.
The base will be open to the general public this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"For us, it's important to open up the base and allow people to kind of come inside the gate and see what we do every day at the world's largest Naval base," said Captain Matt Schlarmann, Naval Station Norfolk Commanding Officer.
Two U.S. Navy warships will participate in Fleet Fest and will provide tours throughout the day, the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and the guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez.
Additionally, U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Nathan Bruckenthal and Vigorous will also be open for tours.
Captain Schlarmann hopes the day will be especially inspiring for young people.
"It opens their eyes to all the possibilities out there for the different career paths that they can potentially have in the future, and one of those being the U.S. Navy," he said.
There will be numerous other activities including a free carnival, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili cook-off, food trucks, live demonstrations and much more that highlight the mission of Naval Station Norfolk.
Guests attending Fleet Fest will enter base via Gate 2 and will be directed to the Pier 14 area of the base.
Prior to Fleet Fest, on Thursday and Friday, the base will host two STEM days.
Over 5,000 local 5th and 6th grade students from Portsmouth and Norfolk Public Schools will get the opportunity to tour Navy warships, aircraft static displays and participate in more than 45 STEM exhibits.