One of the great traditions in New York City is the Fleet Week encompasses the Memorial Day weekend.
Since 1984, it’s been an opportunity for New Yorkers and the surrounding tri-state area to meet sailors, marines and coast guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
Approximately 3,000 U.S. sailors, marines and coast guardsmen will participate in the 22nd Fleet Week, from Wednesday, May 20 through May 27.
On Monday, May 25, from 11a.m. to1 p.m. the United States Marine Corps will have static display and demonstrate insertion and extraction of helicopter-borne, combat-equipped Marines in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Public visitation on U.S. Navy ships participating in this year’s Fleet Week will be held from Thursday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 26.
The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) will be moored in Manhattan at Pier 88, 48th Street and 12th Avenue, and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Sunday, May 24.
The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and patrol coastal ships USS Tempest (PC 2), USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12) will be moored at the Stapleton pier in Staten Island. They will be open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lines may be capped at 4 p.m. to ensure that visitors have toured the ships before they close; visitors are encouraged to come early.
In addition to these events, there will be a number of band performances and exhibits highlighting technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members around the area.
More information is available on the official Fleet Week New York City web site, www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrma/Programs/FWNY. – Victor G. Mimoni
