One thing that always lets us know that summer fun is on its way in NYC is the annual NYC Fleet Week.
During the week, multiple ships and thousands of sea service members are set to visit the five boroughs offering everything from public ship visitations to a variety of military demonstrations. Learn all the information you need to know about this year’s Fleet Week below!
What is Fleet Week?
First held in 1982, NYC Fleet Week is a week-long celebration that invites participants from all around the world to enjoy various events held to honor the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
During the week, plenty of ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard, and sometimes ships from foreign navies visit New York City and dock in various locations around the city’s waterfront. Plus, sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen have the chance to explore NYC, and civilians get the chance to learn more about the military!
When is Fleet Week?
This year’s Fleet Week celebrations in New York City will be happening from May 22 – 28, 2024.
Where is Fleet Week?
Fleet Week takes place across a few different places in NYC, offering visitors many different chances to see different vessels stationed across the city. Check out the locations and which ships will be there below:
Manhattan, Pier 88 South: (Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 am – 4 pm)
- Amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5) from Norfolk, Virginia
Manhattan, Pier 90 North: (Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 am – 4 pm)
- Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) from Germany
- Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) from Germany
Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86: (see below for details)
- Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland (Tours only on May 23 – 24, departs May 25)
- Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) from Bayonne, New Jersey (Tours May 23 – 27)
Homeport Pier, Staten Island: (Public tours will be May 23 – 27, from 8 am – 5 pm)
- Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida
- Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina
- Keeper-class coastal buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne, New Jersey
What are the best Fleet Week events this year?
The entire week will be full of events where you can meet with crews, tour ships, and check out parades. See some of our favorite highlited events below, and check out the full calendar of events here:
Tuesday, May 21
- Mount Loretto Aviation Event – Navy and Coast Guard helicopters will land at the soccer field at Mt. Loretto. Afterwards, attendees will be able to meet and speak with the flight crews. Military displays will also be open to the public for viewing. 6541 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10309, 10 am – 2 pm
Wednesday, May 22
- Once a Marine Always a Marine Formation – Currently serving and veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps will come together to celebrate their heritage. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon will complete small performances in Times Square. Father Duffy Square, Times Square, 7th Ave. and West 47th Street NY 10036, 6 – 9 pm
Thursday, May 23
- Public Ship Tours – Public ships around Manhattan will be open for public tours. Locations include Pier 88 and 90, Staten Island Homeport Pier, Pier 86 + more. Various locations, various times
Friday, May 24
- Intrepid Summer Movie Series – Watch a free screening of Top Gun: Maverick on the flight deck of The Intrepid Museum. Pier 86, 7 pm
- Band Concert in Times Square – Navy Band Northeast “Brass Band” will play from 7:30 to 7:50 pm followed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band from 8 to 9:15 pm. 43-44 St Plaza, Times Square, 7:30 – 9:30 pm.
Saturday, May 25
- Eisenhower Park Aviation Event – Come out to see Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopters land at Cricket Field 11, near parking lot 2, and meet the flight crews. Event will also have an EOD fast rope demonstration, performances by Navy Band Northeast and Navy Ceremonial Guard, and military displays to view. Cricket Field 11, Parking Lot 2 at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY, 10 am – 2:30 pm.
- U.S. Coast Guard Band Performance at Pier 86 – The U.S. Coast Guard band will perform at Pier 86 from 11 am – 12 pm.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo – Coast Guard will conduct a search and rescue demonstration in the water off of the Staten Island Homeport Pier. 12 – 12:30 pm
Sunday, May 26
- Maspeth Memorial Day Parade – The United Veterans and Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth hosts an annual community parade to recognize service members. This year’s theme is: “The Leaders of the Future.” Service members will walk in the parade and participate in small ceremony. 56-18 69th Street Maspeth, New York 11378, 10 am – 5 pm
- Forest Hills Memorial Day Weekend Parade – American Legion Post 1424 – The Forest Hills American Legion hosts an annual Memorial Day Weekend Parade to recognize the sacrifice of fallen military members and celebrate local community heroes. Service members will walk in the parade from the American Legion Post to Colonel Remsen Cemetery on Metropolitan Avenue; March kicks off in front of the Post building. 107-15 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 11 am
Monday, May 27
- Intrepid Museum Memorial Day Ceremony – Join the Intrepid for a ceremony of service members lost, featuring remarks, a special wreath-laying ceremony, and flyover by fighter jets. Pier 86, 10 am
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Day Observance – Military from the sea services will participate in the Memorial Day observance that pays homage to those who served in all wars. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Riverside Drive & 89th St, 10 am
- Staten Island Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony – Military from the sea services will participate in the Staten Island Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Day Service at the Marine Corps League Dept 246. Various locations in Staten Island, 12 – 3 pm
Various Locations in Staten Island
12 p.m. and 3 p.m.