Fleet Week is back in the Big Apple this week, bringing with it a slew of family-friendly activities and tours for the public to enjoy. From May 21 to May 27, the celebration of the armed forces will take place in the New York Harbor, featuring two U.S. Navy ships, two Coast Guard Cutters, and five U.S. Navy Academy Yard Patrol boats. The theme for this year is all about “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence,” as the Navy and Marine Corps mark their 250th birthday milestone.
One of the highlights of the event will be the USS New York, an amphibious transport dock ship commissioned in 2009 that includes steel from the World Trade Center. The annual Parade of Ships kicks off the festivities, with the vessels making their way through the New York Harbor, up the Hudson River, and past Manhattan and the New Jersey waterfront on Wednesday morning. It’s a sight to behold as these impressive ships glide through the waters, showcasing the might and history of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.
If you’re wondering when Fleet Week will be back in 2025, mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 27. The Parade of Ships is set to take place on the morning of May 21, starting from the Verrazano Bridge and making its way to Piers 86-90 in Hell’s Kitchen near the Intrepid Museum. While the exact timing of the parade may vary, you can stay updated with the NBC New York app and streaming channel. The ships are expected to dock around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, so make sure to catch a glimpse of these magnificent vessels in action.
For those eager to explore the ships up close, here’s a rundown of the schedule and locations for public tours during Fleet Week. Manhattan’s Pier 88 South will host the USS New York for public tours on Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, Pier 90 North will feature the USCGC Calhoun and HMCS Frédérick Rolette for tours on the same days. The Intrepid Museum at Pier 86 will showcase five U.S. Naval Academy YPs on Thursday and Friday, May 22-23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Staten Island, the Homeport Pier will welcome the USS Oak Hill and USCGC Sturgeon Bay for tours from May 22 to May 26, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s a rare opportunity to step aboard these impressive vessels and learn more about the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.
The Intrepid Museum will also be hosting a range of activities during Fleet Week, including a free movie night on the flight deck featuring the classic film “Top Gun” on Friday, May 23. Military competitions and challenges will take place at the museum on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Don’t miss out on the other activities and performances happening throughout the weekend, providing a fun and educational experience for all attendees. So grab your family and friends, and head down to the New York Harbor to be a part of this exciting celebration of our country’s sea service excellence.
