Last week New York partook in the festivities of Fleet Week New York City 2017. With ships of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and Canadian Naval Forces moored in New York City, the civilian public was given the opportunity to see the mighty warships the personnel of the US Military and Allies fight aboard as well as the many powerful pieces of equipment that allow them to survive the seas.
Ships participating this year included the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG-61) and USS San Jacinto (CG-56), Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG-82), Cyclone-class patrol ship USS Zephyr (PC-8), Hamilton-class cutter USCGC Alexander Hamilton (WMSL-753), four US Naval Academy Yard Patrol Boats, Neil Armstrong-class research ship RV Neil Armstrong (AGOR-27), Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Yuma (T-EPF-8), and Kingston-class coastal defense ship HMCS Glace Bay (MM-701). Colonia High School student Sean Watters was among many cadets of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps given the opportunity to spend a week aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge to experience Navy life first hand and man the rails for the parade of ships.
Fleet Week is a phenomenal experience in which civilians and military alike intermingle and see first hand what the military can do. Tours of all ships were available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. While the Declaration News team was only able to travel to Manhattan and Brooklyn, the tours were enjoyable. The experience to not only see ships of our own nation, but that of Canada is an experience that is hard to beat. Those providing tours were friendly and helpful with all questions, especially the Canadians. Anyone with the ability should attend Fleet Week in the coming years as this year’s festivities have ended. Fleet Week is a very enjoyable experience that anyone should have. Support the men and women fighting for you and give them some love during Fleet Week.
