About Us
History
San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) began in 1981 when then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein led the nation in celebrating America's sea services.
Taking place every October in San Francisco over Italian Heritage Weekend, SFFW's air show, the parade of ships and many community events have become a significant and integral part of the city's local culture and economy.
SFFW also features a unique training and education program that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance.
San Francisco Fleet Week builds lasting partnerships and delivers a powerful economic boost to the city—generating more than $10 million in annual tax revenue and over $200 million in overall economic benefit. Since 2015, San Francisco Fleet Week has been recognized by the United States Department of Defense as the model for fleet weeks across the country.
Mission
San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual public event that honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces while advancing cooperation and knowledge among civilian- and military-based Humanitarian Assistance personnel.
Honorary Co-Chairs:
The Honorable Willie Brown
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
Board Members:
Vice Admiral Jody Breckenridge, USCG (ret) Chair
Major General Mike Myatt, USMC (ret) Vice Chair
Mark Flegel, Treasurer
John McGleenan, Secretary
Rear Admiral Jay Bynum, U.S. Navy (ret) Director
Nina D'Amato, Director
Mike Petricca, Director
Liam Tiernan, Director
Susan Toland, Director
Pete Pafrath, Director
Executive Director:
Lewis Loeven
Lewis Loeven
Executive Director, Board of Directors, SFFWA
Navy Ambassador
Mr. Loeven began his work with the San Francisco Fleet Week Association in 2010, serving as a member of its Board of Directors. In 2012, he took on the role of Executive Director, developing many of the unique programs that brought San Francisco Fleet Week to national attention, including the creation of the Fleet Week Center for Humanitarian Assistance. He oversees the execution of Fleet Week and all of the operations, sponsorship, logistics, and planning efforts.
Brian Quin
Deputy Director
Brian Quin is the Deputy Director of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association, managing the maritime operations that bring visiting Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard forces to the city. A retired naval officer with 34 years of service, he commanded four ships and an amphibious squadron, and later served as chief of staff for Expeditionary Strike Group 3. Involved with SF Fleet Week since 2017, he joined the Association’s leadership in 2025 and also serves as a master mariner instructor at Maritime Skills Training Center Pacific.
Marty Low
Controller
Marty is the accountant and controller for San Francisco Fleet Week. He is in charge of the budget, funder reporting, and disbursements during the Fleet Week season. He is a native San Franciscan and has numerous family-run business clients as well as an extensive nonprofit background. Marty also teaches in the MBA program at California College of the Arts as well as volunteers for many civic organizations.
David Cruise
Public Affairs Officer
David Cruise is the Public Affairs Officer for San Francisco Fleet Week, leading communications and external affairs for the Association. He first served in this role from 2015 to 2018, helping strengthen the event’s profile as a civic and military tradition, and returned in 2025 to continue that work. With extensive experience in public safety, emergency management, and strategic communications, he guides Fleet Week’s engagement with the public, media, and civic partners. David also serves as Public Information Officer and Trustee for Guardians of the City, a nonprofit that preserves and shares the history of San Francisco’s first responders.
Adrianna Lazar
Office Manager & E.A. to the Executive Director
Adrianna Lazar serves as the Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. A fifth-generation San Franciscan, Adrianna has lifelong roots in the city and a deep connection to its traditions. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory and Sonoma State University, and has built her career in event planning for San Francisco organizations. In addition to her professional work, she served as a Board Member of the Lower Polk Community Benefit District, contributing to neighborhood improvement and community engagement. Having attended Fleet Week her entire life, Adrianna brings both personal passion and professional expertise to supporting the city’s iconic events.
Barbara Fitzharris
Director of Community and Commercial Engagement
Barb has been volunteering for San Francisco Fleet Week since 2016. You have seen her welcoming smile at registration for the Launch Party, Honor Our Fallen Concert, Senior Leadership Seminar and on the green at the Humanitarian Assistance Village. Barb's background is in Sales and Marketing. This year she is stepping into a new role as Director of Community and Commercial Engagement.
Tre Russell Allen
Fleet Week Concert Series Director
Tre Russell Allen, owner of Enceladus Event Production and Consulting, coordinates community events with the Navy and Marine Corps bands. Additionally, he has heralded the Liberty Guide from concept to reality in the Fleet Week Mobile App. Tre has produced virtual and in-person events with speakers such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Ca. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, SF Mayor London Breed, and the late Mayor Edwin Lee. We are thrilled to have his expertise on the Fleet Week Team!
Alecia Aguilar
Volunteer Coordinator
Alecia Aguilar is the Volunteer Coordinator for San Francisco Fleet Week. Originally from Nebraska, she served seven years in the U.S. Navy as an aviation administrator supporting E-2D Hawkeyes and Search and Rescue helicopters. After moving to San Francisco in 2023 to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing at the Academy of Art University, Alecia began volunteering with Fleet Week, assisting with volunteer coordination in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, she stepped into her current role leading the volunteer program that supports the city’s premier civic and military celebration.