Golf tournament heralds return of San Diego Fleet Week
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
San Diego Fleet Week events are in full swing starting Friday, and they’re teeing off with a golf tournament.
This year, the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, along with the 24th anniversary of the foundation.
Leading up to the official “Fleet Week” starting Oct. 30, the foundation organized the upcoming golf tournament, as well as a Boot Camp Challenge on Oct. 18 with the chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The golf tournament, which is for active-duty military only, will be held at the Singing Hills Golf Resort in El Cajon.
About 150 active-duty men and women are participating in the all-day event, which is presented by Sycuan Casino Resort and which opens with a putting contest and lunch at 10 a.m.
Participants can win a new car by competing in a hole-in-one contest, among other prizes throughout the day for both individuals and teams.
Cody J. Martinez, chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, said the band looks forward to supporting the men and women of the military service for this year’s Fleet Week.
“The prestige and tradition of this tournament continues to leave a lasting impression for all the sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members who participate,” Martinez said. “We are proud to partner with the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation to honor, celebrate and thank these men and women for their service to our country and community.”
The challenge is a three-mile race held on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, featuring obstacles and 60 Marine Corps Drill Instructors, according to the event site.
San Diego Fleet Week Foundation president and chief executive Larry Blumberg says he wants San Diegans to see the importance of military members to the region.
“There’s over a hundred thousand active duty sailors, marines and Coast Guard personnel here in San Diego, they are a vital part of our community not only because of what they do in uniform, but what they contribute,” Blumberg said.
“This one-week series of events, it’s the opportunity for the community to thank these men and women.”
Fleet Week 2025 features a variety of events, including luncheons, breakfasts and a Navy and a Military and Veteran appreciation concert.
A full list of events and event information can be found on the Fleet Week website.
“This is a big event, and we hope the community will participate and show our support for these men and women, who are vital to us on a daily basis. No matter if they’re serving as a member of the Armed Forces or in our community where they do tons of volunteer work,” Blumberg said.
