Fleet Week New York, now in its 31st year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services taking place May 22-28, 2019. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
From the opening concert by the Navy Band Northeast and Parade of Ships to the last boat leaving New York Harbor, Fleet Week offers members of the public the chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. Many events are free and take place across NYC’s various harbors. From Navy ship tours to a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid, it’s a week long celebration.
Five U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard cutters, four U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Yard Patrol boats (YPs), one Military Sealift Command ship, and two Royal Canadian Navy vessels will participate during 2019 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 22-28. It is anticipated that approximately 2,600 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate this year.
Below are just some of the week’s highlights. For the full list of events, visit militarynews.com.
Parade of Ships
Wednesday, May 22 • 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fleet Week’s kickoff event affords views of the vessels along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side.
General Public Ship Tours
Thursday, May 23—Monday, May 27, times vary
Get an up-close view of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, along with vessels located at Manhattan’s Pier 88, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook and Homeport Pier in Staten Island.
Navy Divers in Times Square
Thursday, May 23 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
See Navy divers demonstrate their skills on Military Island, right in the heart of Times Square.
Movie Series at the Intrepid: Top Gun
Friday, May 24 • Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Watch Maverick, Goose and Iceman compete to be best in class (and execute daring aerial maneuvers) from the flight deck of the Intrepid. Admission is free but first come, first served.
Family Sunday at Citi Field
Sunday, May 26 • 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Head to Queens for an afternoon of all-ages fun. The plaza outside will feature military displays; inside, the New York Mets will take on the Detroit Tigers (starting at 1:10pm). A Navy Band Northeast singer is scheduled to perform the national anthem, and FA-18 Hornets will fly over the crowd.
4th Annual Fleet Week at Liberty State Park
Sunday, May 26 • 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Learn about the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps’ strategic and tactical might with this afternoon’s demos and performances.
Intrepid Memorial Day Commemoration
Monday, May 27 • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join veterans in honoring the men and women of the armed services.
Featured Image: The Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) transits Upper Bay during Fleet Week New York. This year marks the 30th year for New York City’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley/Released) 180523-G-IV660-1034 (Creative Commons 2.0)
