The Allure of New York City's Fleet Week

Every year some 60 million tourists flock to New York City to take in the sights and experience the culture there. From touring the Statue of Liberty to ascending the Empire State building, from attending a Broadway show to enjoying the gastronomic delights, New York has something special for everyone. It's diverse population hails from all over the world and its renowned melting pot of cultures is reflected in the international makeup of the United Nations.

New Yorkers love their city and enjoy the vibrance and feeling of electricity there. The city is abuzz with life even in the late hours and the energy there is palpable. Central Park is one of the crown jewels of New York City and provides a respite from the skyscrapers and density of buildings and people everywhere. Fine dining options abound but for a true New York City experience pick up a slice at any one of dozens of Famous Rays Pizza.

With all the amazing events in New York City, one of them stands out from the rest. Every year New York celebrates Fleet Week, which is a celebration honoring the United States Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. Fleet Week began in 1984 and is typically scheduled for Memorial Day week and weekend

The Parade of Ships

Every year Fleet Week begins with the spectacular Parade of Ships. Giant aircraft carriers, impressive warships and even historic vessels fill the Hudson River while the Blue Angels and other fighter jets soar overhead. The show of power invokes awe and people pack picnic lunches and watch from waterfront parks along the route. It's amazing to see battleships anchored in the harbor with the New York skyline in the background.

Meeting Service Members

Fleet Week is also a time of celebration for some 5,000 servicewomen and men from the Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps. As they stand watch on ships or explore the streets of New York it's nice to stop and connect with these selfless service members. Their stories are interesting, and it's fun to learn what ports of call they have visited and the types of adventures they've experienced.

Aviation and Other Demonstrations

During the week, tourists experiencing Fleet Week will enjoy demonstrations highlighting the capabilities of the armed forces. One of the most fascinating sights is when you witness a vertical take-off from the deck of a ship. These planes lift off the deck and rise to a certain height, then zoom off as their engines go from vertical lift to horizontal flight. There are also demonstrations of helicopter gunships.

Fleet Week and the Intrepid

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum at Pier 86 is an essential component of Fleet Week. This museum includes the impressive Intrepid aircraft carrier, a cruise missile submarine, a Concorde and even the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Tours of this grand ship and many of the other ships are available during Fleet Week.

If you are looking for a very special event that celebrates New York City and the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, then Fleet Week is perfect for you. The Memorial Day event is amazing and meeting the service members is a very special treat.