Hovercraft landing kicks off S.F. Fleet Week

SAN FRANCISCO A Navy hovercraft landed on San Francisco's Ocean Beach as part of a disaster response training exercise.

The amphibious military vehicle arrived around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday to help kick off this year's San Francisco Fleet Week. It left in a cloud of sand about 45 minutes later.

The Navy was showcasing the hovercraft and its mobile surgical center to city emergency management officials as well as Mayor Ed Lee.

Officials say the hovercraft, also known as Landing Craft Air Cushion, could deliver supplies, equipment and personnel to San Francisco if a major earthquake or other disaster takes out roads and bridges.

The hovercraft has been used to respond to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

Fleet Week continues through this weekend with popular events such as the Parade of Ships and Blue Angels Air Show.

"You will hear jets over the city of San Francisco" from Thursday through Sunday, said San Francisco Fleet Week Association spokesperson David Perry, according to CBS San Francisco.

While the air show covers most of the city's airspace, Perry suggested viewing the jets from along the water.

The Blue Angels team will take part in air show practice on Thursday and Friday and will take to the skies for shows on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators can meet the Blue Angels team on solid ground at San Francisco's Pier 39 on Friday evening.

Other events on the Fleet Week schedule include tours of Navy and Coast Guard ships docked along the waterfront and an America's Cup race on Sunday.