EASTPORT – A USS Navy ship, a flag raising and a huge parade are just part of the fun on the Fourth of July this year.

It all begins at sunrise with the 47th annual flag raising on the breakwater.

Of course, sitting in the background will be the USS McFaul, a DDG 74 guided-missile destroyer. The ship is under the command of Mary Jackson, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., built the ship. It was launched April 12, 1997, and commissioned April 25, 1998.

It is more than 505 feet long and can operate at 30 knots-plus.

Its home port is Norfolk, Va., and it carries a crew of 23 officers, 24 chief petty officers and 291 enlisted men and women.

Destroyers are known in the Navy as the greyhounds of the sea. The McFaul is equipped with the world’s most sophisticated weapons system.

From 7 to 11 a.m. is the annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at the Eastport Municipal Airport. The Eastport Airport Association sponsors the event.

At 8 a.m. is the Calithumpian Parade and at 9 a.m. there will be land sports that include races for girls and boys, with a penny scramble to follow.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold an open house at 10 a.m. There will be tours of rescue boats and equipment. There also will be information on responsible boating, safety and duties.

Also at 10 a.m. will be the 29th annual Buddy Allen Car, Truck and Bike Show at Bank Square.

At 11 a.m. participants can fill up on blueberry pie during the annual blueberry pie eating contest at Overlook Park.

At noon is the doll carriage, wagon, bike and trike parade.

Then at 2 p.m. is the Grand Independence Day Parade. This year’s theme is “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Floats will line up on Staniels Road from the Youth Center to BASF, the former Mearl Corp. Judging will be held at 1:15 p.m. with $500, $300 and $200 prizes based on originality and work.

At dusk will be the grand presentation of Eastport’s fireworks display.

There will be plenty of music and food throughout the day.