LOS ANGELES (May 26, 2022) – Sailors, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD2), and Marines, assigned to 1st Marine Division Band, volunteered at the Veterans Affairs hospital during Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW), May 26.

The Sailors provided snack boxes, clothing, and medical supplies to the veterans , and the Marines performed a music selection for the veterans.

“We’re showing mutual respect to the veterans here,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Christopher Bermudo, from St. Louis, Miss. “We have the privilege to help them out. It’s nice to have them come out be served by us when they served before us.”

The VA provided meals from a food truck to include barbecue and sides.

“We helped set up, and we’re going to be here after to take everything down,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Gerry Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas. “It’s nice to come out here and help out the past generation who helped us.”

The Marines performed a selection of music for the veterans, including covers of Nelly, Outkast, and Stevie Wonder.

“We’re here to contact with our veterans,” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Doggett, from Joliet, Ill. “I feel great: There’s nothing better than giving back to veterans.”

Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the Memorial Day Weekend. Free to the public, the event features public ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, aircraft flyovers, and a Galley Wars culinary cook-off competition between Navy, Army, Marine and Coastguard teams. The event is May 24-30.

LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.