The Hudson River once again transformed into a stage for maritime grandeur, as the 36th annual Fleet Week New York 2024 commenced with the iconic Parade of Ships. The ceremonial procession ushered in a week of naval celebration and remembrance, featuring an array of vessels and the men and women who serve aboard them. This year’s Fleet Week, running from May 22-28, embraces the theme “Celebrating Those Who Serve,” a poignant reminder of the ongoing commitment of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard teams.
As a time-honored tradition, the Parade of Ships marks the start of Fleet Week in New York City. This morning, the waters around New York Harbor teemed with vessels, a testament to the enduring bond between the city and its maritime protectors. The flotilla, comprising more than a dozen ships, passed iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Fort Hamilton, and One World Trade Center, in a spectacular display of naval prowess.
Among the ships that graced the harbor were the USS Bataan (LHD 5), an amphibious assault ship from Norfolk, Virginia; the FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222), a Baden-Württemberg-class frigate from Germany; the FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412), a Berlin-class replenishment ship also from Germany; and the USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109), a Bay-class cutter from Bayonne, New Jersey. These were joined by Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Marinette (LCS 25), Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759), and Keeper-class coastal buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552), among others.
According to Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Wesley McCall, “Fleet Week is about celebrating those who serve and recognizing the unyielding strength of our Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team. As we come together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service, we are reminded of the diverse and inclusive fighting force that is currently serving to protect national security and preserve our way of life.”
The week’s festivities extend beyond the naval showcase, offering the public a rare opportunity to tour the vessels, witness interactive displays, and enjoy military band performances. For those looking to step aboard, the ships can be toured at various locations including Manhattan’s Piers 88 South and 90 North, Intrepid Museum’s Pier 86, and Homeport Pier on Staten Island. The public tours are scheduled for select days and times, offering an immersive experience into naval life and operations.
The Fleet Week New York festivities also feature free concerts by military bands across several venues, including Times Square and the Intrepid Museum, further complementing the event’s celebratory spirit. Navy and Coast Guard bands, alongside the Marine Corps Band and the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band, are set to regale the audiences with performances that blend martial tradition with contemporary appeal.
A variety of other events are part of the Fleet Week program, such as helicopter demos at Mt. Loretto and aviation events at Eisenhower Park, along with a screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” at the Intrepid Museum. These complement the educational aspect of Fleet Week, bringing military operations closer to the public and offering insights into the service and sacrifices of military personnel.
Relevant articles:
– Fleet Week NYC 2024 sets sail as Parade of Ships enters New York Harbor – WABC, WABC-TV, 05/22/2024
– Fleet Week returns to NYC tomorrow: What to know, NBC New York, 05/21/2024
– Fleet Week 2024 starts tomorrow in NYC. See the schedule of events., CBS New York, 05/21/2024
– Fleet Week set to return to NYC Wednesday with the ‘Parade of Ships’, NBC New York, 05/21/2024
– Fleet Week NYC 2024: Thrilling helicopter demos take center stage at Mt. Loretto (photos), SILive.com, 05/21/2024
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