Parade of Ships Kicks Off Fleet Week in New York

Experience Fleet Week in New York with a grand parade of ships, showcasing naval excellence and maritime tradition.

Fleet Week New York 2024 officially begins on Wednesday morning with the ceremonial Parade of Ships. More than a dozen ships will enter New York Harbor, passing iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Fort Hamilton, and One World Trade Center as they arrive in Manhattan. This year marks the 36th edition of the annual event, with the theme “Fleet Week New York…Celebrating Those Who Serve.”

Ships Participating in the Parade

The ships expected to participate in the Parade of Ships include the USS Bataan (LHD 5), an amphibious assault ship from Norfolk, Virginia; FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222), a Baden-Württemberg-class frigate from Germany; FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412), a Berlin-class replenishment ship from Germany; four U.S. Naval Academy YPs from Annapolis, Maryland; USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109), a Bay-class cutter from Bayonne, New Jersey; USS Marinette (LCS 25), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship from Mayport, Florida; USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759), a Legend-class cutter from Charleston, South Carolina; and USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552), a Keeper-class coastal buoy tender from Bayonne, New Jersey.

Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Wesley McCall emphasized the importance of the event in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service and recognizing the diverse and inclusive fighting force currently serving to protect national security.

The USO is preparing to greet thousands of U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps service members during Fleet Week in New York City and Los Angeles. USO activations in both cities will offer opportunities for service members to connect, relax, and learn more about USO resources, as well as for the public to show their appreciation for those who serve.

Live Demonstrations and Ship Tours

On Tuesday, a series of live demonstrations took place at the Mt. Loretto campus in Staten Island, featuring Navy and Coast Guard helicopter landings and fast-roping demonstrations. Over 2,000 students from across Staten Island attended the event, which was open to the public.

Throughout Fleet Week, ship tours will be available to the public at various locations in Manhattan and Staten Island. The USS Bataan will be open for tours at Pier 88 South in Manhattan on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The German ships FGS Baden-Württemberg and FGS Frankfurt am Main will be available for tours at Pier 90 North in Manhattan on the same day and time.

The U.S. Naval Academy YPs will be open for tours at the Intrepid Museum at Pier 86 in Manhattan on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The USCGC Sturgeon Bay will also be available for tours at the Intrepid Museum from Thursday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, during the same hours.

Celebrating and Honoring Those Who Serve

Fleet Week New York 2024 promises to be a celebration of those who serve, with a wide range of events and activities for service members and the public alike. The event will conclude on Memorial Day, with a salute to the country’s fallen servicemembers.

Fleet Week New York runs through May 28th, providing ample opportunities for the public to interact with service members, tour ships, and show their appreciation for the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.