The fleet is in! Well, nearly in.
Next week, thousands of Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will arrive in New York City for the annual Fleet Week. A tradition since 1984, Fleet Week celebrates and honors all the military sea services, and provides an opportunity for NYC area residents to meet the men and women who serve our country on the sea.
Fleet Week events include a variety of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, and the public can visit many of the participating ships and meet the crew. Tours will be conducted daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ll be participating in Fleet Week events:
• Review and download the schedule of events.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes when touring the ships. No heels, or clothing or accessories that could get caught on anything.
• All purses and camera cases will be searched. All visitors must go through a security check, including a metal detector.
• Bring sunglasses and wear sunscreen if it’s sunny.
• Come down to the piers early (check the schedule of events for locations and details). Last year nearly one hundred thousand visitors came aboard, so the lines can get pretty long.
• The tours are suitable for all ages, however there are steep stairways and uneven surfaces. Small children may find in difficult to get around. Strollers are not permitted onboard. The ships are not handicapped accessible.
• Photography is permitted, although you cannot photograph security personnel or procedures.
• Food and beverages are not available onboard the ships, but will be available at the pier. No liquids or food is allowed onboard.
Activities during Fleet Week are designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests. (Remember the “Anchors Away” episode of Sex and the City?) There should be something for everyone, so show up and support our service men and women of the sea.
Photo credit: US Navy
********************************************************************
Tags: b5media, family travel, flight attendant, Flyaway Cafe, Manhattan, New York, NYC, outdoor travel, tourism, tours, Travel, Travel & Culture, Vacation, Fleet Week
