Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary of U.S. Navy SEALs

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The preeminent event of San Diego Fleet Week, the Coronado Speed Festival takes place at Naval Air Station North Island on September 22-23.  In the same era that Coronado Speed Festival's competing cars were created, such as the Camaro, GT 350, Mustang, Corvette and King Cobra, U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy set in motion the creation of unconventional warfare capacity to counter rising global threats. 

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Arleigh A. Burke authorized the creation of U.S. Navy SEAL teams and Team 1 was established in San Diego on January 1, 1962 to support the Pacific Fleet.  Team 2 was established in Little Creek, Va. to support the Atlantic Fleet. In keeping with the era, both the cars and the SEAL Teams were fast, dominant and effective.

"Nothing could be more appropriate to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the U.S. Navy SEALs than a look back at an era that took excellence, power and determination to new levels," said Alexandra Squires, executive director of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation. "We are proud to acknowledge the superior contribution that SEAL Teams have made to the security of our citizens and the success of our military operations over the past 50 years."

Spectators at Coronado Speed Festival will have the unique opportunity to view demonstrations by the elite Leap Frog teams of the Navy SEALs during lunchtime festivities.

Shortly after the establishment of the teams, an inaugural class of Navy SEAL Teams took to the jungles of Vietnam for reconnaissance, ambush, captures, raids, POW recovery and other innovative and offensive efforts to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army operations and infrastructure. The teams were among the most decorated units in the Vietnam War.

The Navy SEAL of 2012 has maintained the exceptional toughness that characterized the teams of 1962, although advances in technology have matured their tactical skills and capabilities. Navy SEAL armories carry fearsome, hand-held weapons for every situation. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is paying huge dividends in intelligence gathering and target tracking. Navy SEALs communicate intra-sound and across the world in real-time, and with video. They do battle in every environment from the Mekong Delta to the Hindu Kush, deep at sea or far into the desert. As in 1962, the legacy of "Never quit" still defines the teams and still inspire a SEAL to never compromise, at the cost of countless acts of heroism and profound sacrifice.

Military and Kids FREE

All active duty, active reserve and their direct-dependent military ID-holders will enjoy free admission to this year's event. Active duty military, active reservists and dependent ID-holders will not need tickets and will enter through a specially-designated gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, both military and non-military.  Thanks to our sponsors who have enabled this event to honor our nation's military in this way.

For the public, tickets cost $25 for one day and $35 for both days, in advance at www.fleetweeksandiego.org.  Tickets will also be available at the venue ($35 one day and $45 for both days).

About Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego

The Coronado Speed Festival is Fleet Week San Diego's preeminent event. Fast-paced, thrilling auto racing and exhibitions for car enthusiasts of all ages mark the widespread draw of this event.  Staged at one of racings' most distinctive locations – Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of Naval Aviation – it's the only place to see live racing on an active U.S. Navy runway.

Fleet Week San Diego 2012 events will take place from September 8 through October 14. The non-profit, 501(c)(3) foundation was created by community and business leaders who understood the great depth of public support for our Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. In addition to honoring the military services through the annual Fleet Week San Diego events, the foundation's goals are to foster awareness of the contributions made by military personnel and their families; to enhance relationships between the civilian, business and military communities; to provide events that military personnel and their families can attend at little or no cost; and to promote other organizations that provide services to military personnel and their families.  Fleet Week San Diego is funded solely through the generosity of individuals and corporate contributions. More information is available at the website http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/donate.html.

A schedule of the events that fall under Fleet Week San Diego is also posted at www.fleetweeksandiego.org/events.html or you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fleetweeksd or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fleetweeksd.

SOURCE San Diego Fleet Week and Coronado Speed Festival