They welcomed the invasion.
Hundreds of people gathered at Fort Hamilton to hail sailors entering the New York Harbor during a pre-Fleet Week “Salute to Ships” on May 20.
A floatella of Naval and Coast Guard six ships — including a guided missile destroyer — sailed beneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and past the fort’s bluff in the so-called “unofficial kick-off to Fleet Week,” according to a memo from the base. And a Fire Department fire boat followed in tow, organizers said.
More than 1,400 students from local schools came to wish the ships a fond welcome, and the base bade the boats “hello” with an 11-gun salute from the fort’s storied shore line.
A magician also made an appearance to entertain the mobs of kids.
Loud welcome: Soldiers at Fort Hamilton salute incoming ships with cannon fire.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Welcome to New York: The USS Stout passes beneath the Verrazanno-Narrows Bridge as it enters the New York Harbor.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
With open arms: PS 264 welsomes sailors arriving for Fleet Week.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
Military brass: Joseph Loposky leads Xaverian’s band in a rousing round of patriotic songs.
Photo by Georgine Benvenuto
