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WATCH: Parade of Ships Kicks Off Fleet Week 2023

Nearly 2,400 uniform personnel are expected to participate in the week-long, swoon-worthy extravaganza

NBC Universal, Inc.

Hi-ho sailor! Come stay!

Fleet Week New York, the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services, returns to the five boroughs on Wednesday to bring in Memorial Day in person for only the second time in the last four years.

Nearly 2,400 uniform personnel are expected to participate in the week-long, swoon-worthy extravaganza this year.

There were signs of the celebration already on Tuesday, as there was a flyover of military planes in the afternoon and a wreath-laying ceremony at the East Coast Memorial in Battery Park. But things really kick off starting Wednesday morning.

The iconic Parade of Ships on Wednesday kicked off the event, which runs through Tuesday, May 30. This year, expect three U.S. Navy ships, two U.S. Coast Guard vessels and four U.S. Naval Academy boats.

Three ships from U.S. NATO allies will join the full-week party, and ships from Canada, Italy and the UK will get in on the parade to kick off the festivities on May 24.

Now in its 35th year, Fleet Week New York, offers people in the tri-state area an unparalleled opportunity to meet U.S. Navy sailors, Marines and U.S. Coast Guard members, as well as learn about the latest maritime capabilities available.

Held in New York City nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID pandemic and held virtually. It returned in person in 2022, though is expected to be back in full force in 2023.

"New York has always been an incredible host," Rear Adm. Charles "Chip" Rock, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, said. "We can't wait for our brave women and men to get an opportunity to experience all the city offers and for New Yorkers to get a glimpse of what we do every day," said Rock. This will create memories that last a lifetime."

See key details below. Learn more about Fleet Week here.

Ship and Pier Locations for NYC Fleet Week 2023

Ship tours will be conducted throughout the week in Manhattan and Staten Island from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Tours on the Intrepid at Pier 86 will be conducted daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Manhattan, Pier 88 South: (Tours will be closed Sunday)
    • Amphibious assault ship, USS WASP (LHD-1) from Norfolk, Virginia
  • Manhattan, Pier 88 North: (Tours will be closed Sunday)
    • Ocean survey vessel HMS Scott (H131) from Plymouth, United Kingdom
  • Manhattan, Pier 90 North:
    • HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701) from Nova Scotia, Canada
    • ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) from La Spezia, Italy
  • Manhattan, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86:
    • Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland
    • Fast response cutter USCGC Warren Deyampert (WPC-1151) from Boston, Massachusetts
  • Homeport Pier, Staten Island:
    • The Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) from Norfolk, Virginia
    • Spearhead class fast transport USNS Newport (T-EPF 12) from Norfolk Virginia
    • Medium Endurance cutter USCGC Legare (WMEC-912) from Portsmouth, Virginia

Other Fleet Week Events

Here is a list of just a few events being held on Thursday:

  • Fleet Week Freedom Run: Service members usher in the Memorial Day holiday with a 1.7-mile run in lower Manhattan honoring the victims of 9/11 and the country's fallen servicemembers. Between 100-200 personnel will run the loop from North Cove Marina through the Financial District to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.
  • Lincoln park Marine Corps Aviation Event: Marines showcase helicopters and military vehicles at Lincoln Park in Jersey City. There will also be performances by the Quantico Marine Corps Band and the Silent Drill Platoon.
  • NYC Bagel Challenge: Four Navy and Marine culinary specialists challenge the great debate: Is it NYC water or people that make NYC bagels so delicious?
  • America's Vet Dogs: America's VetDogs and Shea, the Mets' Vet Dog, will be at the USO pop-up on Pier 88 for photo ops, belly rubs and ear scratches.
  • Ceremonial Guard from Times Square: The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard takes over Times Square, with live performances every half hour.
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