New York City kicks off its 22nd annual Fleet Week celebration with a parade of ships -- and a military flyover -- along and over the Hudson River.
Thirteen vessels, including five Canadian ships, are slated to parade up the Hudson River at 11 a.m. today. The largest and most familiar ship is the USS Iwo Jima, a 40,500-ton assault helicopter carrier.
And regarding the flyover, White House officials aren't expected to resign after this one. Unlike the recent Air Force One photo op that left New Yorkers in a panic, today's flyby is part of the Fleet Week celebration. A White House official stepped down after last month's gaffe. Today's fly-over by four F-18 Hornets was scheduled for 11:45 a.m. The aircraft were to head north over the Hudson River, dipping to an altitude of 1,000 feet.
Fleet Week events will include a military aircraft flyover, free tours of the ships moored at docks in Manhattan and Staten Island, military band performances and tactical demonstrations by troops.
And of course sailors decked in full military whites stealing all the attention.
Active-duty military personnel and veterans can also ride for free on NY Waterway commuter ferries this week.
About 100,000 people are expected to visit the warships this week.
Below is a complete schedule for your Fleet Week 2009 events.
- Wednesday, May 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parade of Ships
Where: Along the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan - Thursday, May 21
- 9 a.m. - noon
USMC Air/Ground Demo
tactical insertion / extraction of helicopter borne, combat equipped Marines into a landing zone, static displays
Where: Coney Island, Brooklyn - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Marine Day in Central Park
Bands, static displays, martial arts demos, military working dogs
Where: Central Park – 5th Ave. & 72nd Street - 11 a.m.-noon
USCG Search and Rescue Demo
Location: Stapleton Pier, Staten Island - 3-5 p.m.
USMC Air/Ground Demonstration
Where: Central Park
- 9 a.m. - noon
- Friday, May 22
- 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Reenlistment / Promotion Ceremony
Where: World Trade Center - 10 a.m.–noon
USMC Display
Aviation and personnel equipment
Where: Orchard Beach/Pelham Bay Park, Bronx - 11 a.m. - noon
Iwo Jima Wreath Laying
Where: Intrepid Museum
- 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
- Saturday, May 23
- 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Tug Of War – USN vs. USMC on the NBC Today Show
Where: Rockefeller Plaza, 49th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, Manhattan. - 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
USMC Day in Times Square
bands, static displays, martial arts demos, military working dogs
Where: 7th Ave & 46th St. - 10 a.m.-noon
USMC Air/Ground Demo
Where: Eisenhower Park, Long Island - 3-5 p.m.
USMC Air/Ground Demo
Where: Clove Lake Park, Staten Island - 5-8 p.m.
USMC Band Performances
Where: Central Park Band Shell
- 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
- Sunday, May 24
- 10 a.m.-noon
USMC Air/Ground Demos
Where: Intrepid Museum - noon-4 p.m.
Intrepid Band Performances
Where: Intrepid Museum - 3-4 p.m.
Intrepid Best Chow Contest
Where: Intrepid Museum - 5-7 p.m.
USMC Air/Ground Demo
Where: Playland Park, Rye NY
- 10 a.m.-noon
- Monday, May 25
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
USMC Air/Ground Demo
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens - 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kings County Memorial Day Parade
Where: 3rd Ave & 87th St, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Glendale Memorial Day Parade
Where: Ridgewood / Glendale, NY - Noon-3 p.m.
Staten Island Memorial Day Parade
Where: Hart Blvd & Forest Ave, Staten Island - 1-2 p.m.
Manhattan Memorial Day Parade
Where: Broadway & Dyckman Streets, Manhattan - 2-5 p.m.
Memorial Day Parade - Bronx City Island
Where: City Island, Bronx
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 26 from 9-11 a.m.
USMC Air/Ground Demo
Where: Westbury High School, Long Island - Wednesday, May 27
Ships and service members depart New York City