The Sailors and Marines showed up at 7 a.m. to prepare serving breakfast to hundreds of the unhoused and homeless.
“Myself and a few service members are here today supporting the LA public,” said Command Sergeant Major Oranjel Leavy, senior enlisted leader of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Marines handed out clothing to hundreds of the unhoused. The clothing included new summer clothes, hats, shoes, and suit pants and dress shirts for job interviews.
“This is a great way to give back to the public, and show the community that the Navy and Marine Corps are here to support them,” Leavy said. “We appreciate the people of LA for their support—for supporting us with what we do when we protect and serve our country and foreign nations.”
Sailors at the event prepared and handed out food to the community and also prepared fresh food boxes for St. Francis’ pantry.
“This is an opportunity for us to show the public what we do behind closed doors,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class JohnPaul Delossantos, from San Diego.
The program director of St. Francis Center, Ismael Neri, was present, handing out food and clothing alongside civilian volunteers and service men and women.
“The Sailors and the Marines here are helping to feed our unhoused guests, helping to provide them clothing, and creating food boxes for our pantry, ” Neri said.
The St. Francis Center also provides a mailing service, mobile showers, and a food pantry to those in need.
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.