Colombia's ARC Gloria arrives in SF, 'proud' to save Fleet Week amid US government shutdown
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There was a majestic arrival on the Bay Thursday morning as the Colombian Navy's flagship, the ARC Gloria, sailed into San Francisco for Fleet Week.
This comes after the U.S. Navy announced it wouldn't be taking part in the year's event because of the government shutdown.
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There was a musical and colorful welcome for the ARC Gloria, bringing together community members of all ages to Piers 15 and 17.
The 250-foot-tall flagship and training vessel of the Colombian Navy is now officially docked for San Francisco Fleet Week. A group of dancers were joined by dignitaries and community leaders to welcome the crew.
"A lot of excitement, a lot of pride," said Daniel García-Peña, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. "This is our insignia mode of Gloria, where our marine cadets train, but it's also a sign of how the U.S. and Colombia have a long standing relationship, a partnership we've built over the years in which our Navy plays a vital role."
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Though the Government shutdown has kept the U.S. Navy from participating in Fleet Week, Colombia and Canada are helping to save it. This is something García-Peña said the country is more than happy to do.
"Very proud, because I know how important it is for Colombia to be here, the front line, but also because of the importance of San Francisco, what it means to our Colombian community here in the city, and a sign of how we continue to build together," García-Peña said.
The ARC Gloria makes stops around the world.
The Consul General of Colombia in San Francisco said the last time the ship made it to San Francisco was seven years ago.
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The hope is that the unity it brings to its own country can be brought to the Bay Area during Fleet Week.
"We may have differences for political reasons, racial reasons, whatever they may be, but when you see the Gloria, all Colombians feel proud, and we all feel united," García-Peña said.
The ARC Gloria will be in San Francisco through Monday, and the public is welcome to visit. Visiting hours end at 9 p.m. Thursday and pick back up each day until Monday.
