Brooklynites will revel in the U.S. Navy’s military might −− and then watch the Army shoot at them −− next week as soldiers from Fort Hamilton welcome an armada of ships heading into New York Harbor to kick off Fleet Week.
A 17−gun salute will ring in the arrival of the ships on the morning of May 20 beginning at about 9:30 am.
In turn, two of the ships will return a salute with weapons they’ll have on their deck, organizers from Fort Hamilton said, adding that a bluff near 101st Street and Fourth Avenue will provide an exceptional view of the boats as they sail up the harbor.
Each year about 300 to 500 local children, as well as military and community dignitaries, cheer the final leg of the voyage as the ships prepare to be berthed in both Manhattan and off Staten Island, organizers said.
“We always enjoy saluting these proud vessels at the start of Fleet Week,” a Fort Hamilton spokesperson said. “This year will be extra special because they’ll be saluting back.”
About 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will be participating in the city’s 22nd Fleet Week celebration, which will last through Memorial Day to May 27.
Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city’s celebration of the sea services. The events also provides an opportunity for area residents to meet their high seas protectors and get a first−hand look at their ships’ latest capabilities.
U.S. Navy ships participating in this year’s Fleet Week commemoration include the multi−purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, the guided−missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf, the patrol coastal ships USS Tempest, USS Hurricane and USS Thunderbolt and the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt.
The USS Roosevelt and the USS Vella Gulf will be the two vessels honoring the 17−gun salute with a salute of their own next Wednesday.
The Iwo Jima and Roosevelt will be berthed in Manhattan; and Vella Gulf, Tempest, Hurricane and Thunderbolt will be berthed at Staten Island, officials said.
Residents can visit and take tours of participating ships from May 21 through May 26. There will also be a number of exhibits showing off the technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members.
To learn more about Fleet Week, visit https:⁄⁄www.cnic.navy.mil⁄cnrma⁄Programs⁄FWNY⁄index.htm.
