Touching Base

Tours of a missile cruiser, a classic car show, a parade of sharp-dressed sailors and live music are a few of the activities planned for Seabee Summerfest ‘99, a two-day celebration at the U.S. Navy base in Port Hueneme.

The 13th annual affair at the Naval Construction Battalion Center is free, running Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It’s really to let the public know what the Navy and its military are up to and how their tax dollars are being spent,” said base spokeswoman Teri Reid. “It’s also about having fun.”

For those who don’t know, the Port Hueneme base is the only Navy-owned deep-water port between San Diego and Seattle.

The celebration will officially kick off Saturday at 11 a.m. with a parade of military personnel in dress uniform, followed by a flyover by an F-14 from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine from Point Mugu.

The Navy Band San Diego will perform parade music, and equipment used by Seabees will be rolled out for display.

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The Seabees--the construction arm of the Navy, formed in 1941--are men and women who build everything from airstrips to hospitals to housing, as well as being trained in combat.

Currently, some 375 Seabees from the local base are in Kosovo building roads and camps for military personnel helping with the peace effort, said Linda Wadley, another base spokeswoman.

Festival-goers will see demonstrations of Seabee construction skills and displays of weapons, Wadley said.

Although many people will be seeing these things for the first time, Wadley said the event is also a walk down memory lane for many who once served as Seabees.

The highlight of the weekend will be tours of several ships, including the Bunker Hill, a guided missile cruiser and three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, including an 82-foot patrol boat that will be open for tours from noon to 4 p.m. both days.

The primary mission of the Bunker Hill is to operate with aircraft carrier battle groups in extremely threatening environments. The 567-foot ship detects, classifies and tracks hundreds of potential targets on the surface, in the air and under the sea. It is equipped with a variety of weapons that visitors will be able to see close up.

The festival will also include performances by three bands.

There will be classic rock by Call Box on Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by pop rock by Green Vinyl Dream at 3:30. On Sunday, rock ‘n’ roll infused with funk and soul will be played by the Rave beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Other events include a carnival, an arts and crafts show, a classic car show, a motorcycle display, a baby dress-up contest, and adult and children’s karaoke contests.

Cash prizes will be awarded in each event. For information on signing up, call 982-3585.

There will also be a “Ship to Shore Run” Sunday, with a four-mile race starting at 8 a.m. and a one-mile family fun run at 9:30 a.m. The races are open to all ages, and awards will be presented in each age category. Each participant will also receive refreshments and a T-shirt.

The cost is $15 for the longer run, $8 for the shorter run and $18 for both. Add $2 if registering the day of the race. Call 989-7728 or 982-5173 for information and entry forms.

Visitors to the festival can park for free and reach the grounds through base gates off Pleasant Valley Road or Victoria Avenue.

DETAILS

Seabee Summerfest ’99 runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, at Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard. Free admission and parking. For more information, call 982-4493.

Seabee Summerfest ’99 Schedule

SATURDAY, JULY 17

8 a.m.: Seabee Summerfest Triathlon at Point Mugu Beach. Call 989-7728.

10 a.m.: PGA pro Paul Stankowski and LPGA pro Dana Dornan give a free golf clinic at the Seabee golf course. Call 982-2620.

Motorcycle show begins. Call 982-6123 or 382-2565.

11 a.m.: Military parade.

11:30 a.m.: Military exhibits, carnival and vendor booths open.

Kardio Kids perform on the Summerfest stage.

11:45 a.m.Karaoke contest begins on the Summerfest stage. Call 982-3585.

Noon: Ship tours begin, lasting until 4 p.m.

2 p.m.: Classic rock music by Call Box on the Summerfest stage.

3:30 p.m.: Pop rock by Green Vinyl Dream.

SUNDAY, JULY 18

8 a.m.: Ship to Shore four-mile run at Pier 3, CBC Port Hueneme. Call 989-7728.

9:30 a.m.: One-mile fun run at Pier 3, CBC Port Hueneme. Call 989-7728.

11 a.m.: Car show begins. Call 982-6123.

Military exhibits, vendor booths and carnival open.

Noon: Ship tours begin, lasting until 4 p.m.

Star Spangled Baby Contest begins on the Summerfest stage. Call 982-3585.

2 p.m.: Popeye’s kids’ karaoke contest on Summerfest stage. Call 982-3535.

3:30 p.m.: Special performance by the Rave, playing rock on the Summerfest stage.