Ships Sail into New York City for Fleet Week Celebration

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Six U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard cutters and 12 coalition ships from around the world sailed into New York harbor to commence Fleet Week New York 2012, May 23.

Approximately 6,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen descended upon the city to celebrate the 25th Fleet Week New York, taking place May 23-30.

This year the sea services join together to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an unparalleled opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

"I'm glad to be here with the Wasp to commemorate the War of 1812 and to get to be home and see my family since I haven't seen them in quite some time," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Angel Garcia, from Bronx, N.Y. and currently stationed aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1).

Navy ships participating in this year's commemoration include multipurpose amphibious assault ship Wasp, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

Wasp and Roosevelt will dock in Manhattan at Piers 90 and 92. All other U.S. Navy ships will dock at Sullivan's Homeport Pier in Staten Island. The U.S. Coast Guard signature ship, Eagle, will dock at Pier 90 in Manhattan, while two additional Coast Guard cutters, along with several coalition ships will dock in Brooklyn at the Port Authority Piers.

Public visitations of the U.S. Navy ships will commence May 24 and conclude May 29. Manhattan ships at Piers 90 and 92, as well as Staten Island ships located at the Homeport Pier, are open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Coalition ships located at Port Authority Piers in Brooklyn are open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 26-28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Throughout the week, a number of exhibits and displays will show off the technology of the maritime services to include air shows and ground demonstrations by members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team.

"Being a part of Fleet Week is awesome. Last year I was in Afghanistan on the bird to go over there, and this year I'm here at Fleet Week in New York City, back in my hometown," said Lance Corporal Dennis Cox, from Manhattan, N.Y., currently attached to the Ground Combat Element from1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. "I joined the Marine Corps because of 9/11. That kind of sealed the deal for me. If I could have, I would have joined right then and there, but I had to wait to graduate high school first."

This year, Fleet Week New York is one of the signature events around the country commemorating OpSail 2012, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner. The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, all who served in the nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.

Navy, Coast Guard Ships Depart Port Everglades Following Fleet Week

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps completed participation in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012 , as four Navy ships, one submarine and one Coast Guard cutter departed April 30 following a five-day visit intended bring the military and local civilian communities together.

Throughout the week, Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen participated in numerous Fleet Week community relations events at various locations throughout Port Everglades and surrounding areas. According to Broward Navy Days Chairperson Mary Anne Gray, this year's event was a resounding success.

"We look forward to this event every year because we want to honor our service members," she said. "We get to meet great people who serve selflessly every day to keep this country safe and we want them to have a great time and show them the appreciation they deserve."

This year's festivities featured a variety of events, including 15 community relations projects, ship tours for the public, Damage Control Olympics, "Galley Wars," a blood drive, a military-civilian fishing tournament, and a military-civilian five-kilometer run. According to Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SS/DV) Chris Duman, who participated in a community relations project at Harbordale Elementary School, the week was a rewarding experience for those who engaged in community service projects.

"Being able to come out here and spend the time with the children of the community has been absolutely great," he said. "It's an opportunity for us and the kids to get together and learn more about each other. Who knows, maybe today will have such an impact on one of these kids and they go on to be a great leader in the Navy."

Four U.S. Navy ships, a submarine and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter participated in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012, an event designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Parade of Ships Kicks off Fleet Week in New York City

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Hudson River during the Parade of Ships as part of Fleet Week New York City 2009. Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman will participate in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York. This event will provide the citizens of New York City and surrounding tri-state area an opportunity to meet service members and also see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ricky Allen, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived in New York City May 20, officially kicking off the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York City 2009, May 20-27.

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will participate in this year's events.

One of the first events welcoming fleet week service members was the Parade of Ships reception, held at the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, which re-opened in November after undergoing renovations at Staten Island.

"We're so excited to be back right after our restoration and renovation and for our first fleet week," said Intrepid Museum Executive Director Susan Marenoff. "We have so much going on over here in the next couple of days. Activities on our pier, Broadway performances, military demonstrations...We have so many new things since we've opened up the museum."

Coast Guard Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area was the guest speaker at the reception. He said that when it comes to Sailors in general, "We understand each other."

Papp said people will not only see the ships, but the service members as well.

"The ships don't come to life unless there are Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines that bring them to life. And how fortunate we are over the history of this country to have people step forward and serve afloat and ashore to carry out the very important mission of this country," he said.

Also in attendance were Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Rear Adm. John N. Christenson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, Enterprise Strike Group.

Ships participating in the Parade of Ships this year were the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.; patrol coastal ships USS Tempest (PC 2), USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), homeported at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va.; the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported in Mayport, Fla.; Canadian ships, air defense destroyer HMCS Athabaskan, the multi-role patrol frigate HMCS Fredericton, HMCS Montreal, multi-role patrol frigate HMCS St. John's, auxiliary oil replenishment HMCS Preserver; and the U.S. Coast Guard high endurance cutter Spencer.

In addition to attending welcoming events, service members will also tour the city and make appearances on TV shows and at sporting events.

Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services. This event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

South Florida Welcomes Service Members for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2009

For my good friends in south Florida, another monitoring opportunity is available with the annual Fleet Week. To RW and all, hope you have some success and please pass along any news from this event.

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) enters port on opening day of the annual Fleet Week Port Everglades celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Scott Lehr/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joseph R. Wax, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 1,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen aboard multiple ships arrived at Port Everglades, Fla., April 27 for Fleet Week 2009.

The crews of USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS Toledo (SSN 769), USCGC Tahoma (WMEC 908), and the Canadian Navy HMCS Preserver (AOR 510), as well as Sailors from Naval Beach Group 2 and Marines from the 2nd Marine Division, will take part in fleet week festivities from April 27 to May 2.

An opening reception was held for all hands at the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, Fla.

"Fleet Week South Florida has become a tradition that the entire community gets involved with," said Joe Millsaps, the chairman of Broward Navy Days. "South Florida is famous for being a military friendly community. Fleet week gives them the opportunity to express their gratitude."

Hard Rock treated the service members to food and drinks while the Navy Region Southeast rock band, Pride, entertained the crowd.

"The ceremony was great," said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Joey Gonzalez, a member of the Fleet Week Port Everglades security team. "It made me feel really welcome to be here."

While in port for fleet week, the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will take part in a damage control Olympics, celebrity chef luncheon, blood drive, community relations projects, as well as visit local hospitals and schools.

Modernized Sub to Participate in Fort Lauderdale Fleet Week

For Robert W. and all my good friends in South Florida:--

The commander of the Submarine Force announced that the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) will participate in the 2009 Fleet Week Port Everglades to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 27-May 1.

Toledo, homeported in Groton, Conn., is commanded by Cmdr. Douglas Reckamp, who assumed command of Toledo March 5 in a ceremony held in Norfolk.

Toledo recently completed a 27-month depot modernization period (DMP) at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Va. Upgrades were completed on Toledo's fire control, weapons, sonar, navigation and propulsion plant systems. The DMP was the first conducted on a submarine at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.

Fleet Week Port Everglades is sponsored by Broward Navy Days, Inc., which first began hosting Fleet Week celebrations in 1990. The all-volunteer organization conducts several awards ceremonies during the week to recognize outstanding Sailors from each ship that participates in Fleet Week. In addition, the group arranges several "all hands" gatherings throughout the Fort Lauderdale area during the week.

Navy Sails into 21st New York Fleet Week

The guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals.

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The 21st Fleet Week celebration in New York City began May 21, with the traditional Parade of Ships.

The five U.S. Navy ships participating in the Fleet Week commemoration are the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile cruisers USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the guided-missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Nitze (DDG 94). Kearsarge and Leyte Gulf arrived in Manhattan at Pier 88 and 90 respectively, and Monterey, Nitze and The Sullivans moored at the Stapleton Piers on Staten Island.

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter and three Canadian navy vessels joined the U.S. Navy ships at the Parade of Ships and will also be participating in Fleet Week events.

Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services. This event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding rri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the Navy does," said Michael Padovano, a New York native and father of an embarked Marine aboard Kearsarge. "I can't wait to hug my son, but I'm also curious to see the ship and see how the crew lives. I never had the privilege to serve, so I'm very interested."

While in New York, nearly 4,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in Memorial Day parades in all five boroughs; volunteer with local community outreach organizations; and experience the sights, sounds and hospitality of New York City.

"It's great to be back in New York for Fleet Week," said Vice Adm. Evan M. Chanik, Jr., director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence for Second Fleet. "This is a great opportunity for the sea services to show the great citizens of New York City their Navy, their Marine Corps and their Coast Guard, and allow them the opportunity to meet the great people who provide a wonderful service to our country."

Public visitations of the U.S. Navy ships will commence May 22 and conclude May 27. Additionally, there will be a number of exhibits showing off the technology of our maritime services and the skilled expertise of service members.

Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) spell out "I Love NY" while pulling into New York City during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals.

Ships Parade Through Seattle for Great White Fleet Centennial

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Ysog Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

A Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) hovers over the surface of Elliot Bay behind the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during a parade of ships in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Beckjord)

The Navy and the city of Seattle celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet's visit to the Puget Sound, May 20.

Hundreds of Sailors, dignitaries, Navy officials and guests gathered on the Bell Harbor Rooftop Plaza at Pier 66 to watch USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and USS Preble (DDG 88), accompanied by a Navy hovercraft, in a traditional parade of ships through Seattle's Elliott Bay.

"It's truly a pleasure to be here today; this ceremony is a special tribute to the history of the U.S. Navy," said Bill Larson, president of the Seattle Council of the Navy League of the United States. "I want to recognize all the people in uniform present here today for their service to our nation."

In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet from Hampton Roads, Va., on a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate international goodwill.

For one Sailor, the ceremony and parade of ships was a fitting way to commemorate the Great White Fleet centennial.

"This is how we remember our naval history, and the city continues to honor the traditions of the Navy," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Erika Lamar, Navy Recruiting District Seattle. "I am excited about the Great White Fleet festivities that are happening in Seattle."

In recognition of the Great White Fleet's visit, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Larson presented a golden key to the city to Navy officials.

"Our city welcomes the Navy to the city," added Nickels. "I would like to say thank you to all the men and women who serve for our country to protect our city, our state and our nation."

In an official message, Secretary of the Navy, Donald C.Winter said that Theodore Roosevelt's idea to send a fleet of 16 U.S. battleships on a world tour was a dramatic gesture aimed at audiences both at home and abroad.

"To the world, the message was that the United States had arrived as a significant world power, outward-looking, and filled with goodwill towards every nation," said Winter. "To the public of this great country, the message was that you have a Navy to be proud of, and that the strength of the U.S. Navy is a primary source of our status as a nation of influence and power."

The centennial celebration of the Great White Fleet's visit to the Puget Sound coincided with Bremerton's Armed Forces Day parade May 17. In addition to USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) and Bremerton's Great White Fleet commemoration, six other crews from submarines homeported in the Northwest sharing names with battleships of the Great White Fleet participated in celebrations in various Washington cities: USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in Bellingham, USS Ohio (SSGN 726) in Port Angeles, USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) in Port Townsend, USS Maine (SSBN 741) in Tacoma and USS Alabama (SSBN 731) in Seattle.

The Seattle Great White Fleet celebration will continue with a gala May 21, aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship Rushmore, pierside in Seattle.

Naval historical file photo of the Great White Fleet. In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet on a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence and generate international goodwill. U.S. Navy photo

US Navy Ships Head to New York for Fleet Week

Blog editor note: There will be an audio feed of the arrival of the fleet on the W2LIE.net website at http://www.w2lie.net/news.php.

NORFOLK (NNS) -- A flotilla of U.S. Navy ships and thousands of Sailors and Marines set sail May 19 from Norfolk, to participate in the 21st Fleet Week New York, which will take place May 21 - 28.

The ships heading up the East Coast for the Fleet Week commemoration are the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile cruisers USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the guided-missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

The ships will parade into New York Harbor Wednesday morning, May 21. Following the parade, Kearsarge and Leyte Gulf will berth in Manhattan, and Monterey, The Sullivans, and Nitze will berth at Staten Island.

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter will also participate in Fleet Week, and three Canadian navy vessels will join Wednesday's Parade of Ships.

Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services. This event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

In addition to public visitations of participating ships, May 22 – 27, there will be a number of exhibits showing off the technology of our maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members. More information is available on the official Fleet Week New York Web site at www.fleetweek.navy.mil.

San Diego's Fleet Week Showcases Parade of Ships

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leticia Fritzsche, Naval Reserve Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego

The Landing Craft Air Cushioned 42 (LCAC 42) maneuvers in the San Diego Bay to start the annual San Diego Fleet Week activities including a parade of ships, flyovers by Navy and Coast Guard aircraft, and a Red Bull air race in the harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mahlon K. Miller)

During Fleet Week San Diego, the Navy offered an alluring spectacle of ships and aircraft throughout San Diego Bay on May 3.

An estimated 100,000 visitors and residents observed the parade of ships.

"I wish my husband could be here with me to watch the parade," said the wife of Electronic Technician 3rd Class Joshua Jensen, who was aboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), as it navigated through the bay.

A mock smoke-filled gun battle between tall ships California, known as the "official tall ship ambassador for the State of California," and HMS Surprise, a replica of the HMS Rose, a frigate built in 1857 took place.

John Sable a former Aviation Electronics Technician (radar and navigation) 1st Class, awaited the much favored Red Bull Air Race World Series, featuring pilots flying 30 feet off the deck and reaching speeds of 400 kilometers per hour while withstanding forces of up to 10 Gs.

Also featured were air demonstrations by an EA-6B Prowler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, two MH-60s Knighthawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron(HSC) 23, a C-2 Greyound from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and an HH-60J Seahawk from Coast Guard Search and Rescue.

Port Everglades Welcomes Sailors for Fleet Week 2008

Blog editor note: For Robert and all my friends in the south Florida area. Good hunting.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katrina Parker, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) pulls into port at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for Fleet Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky)

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and CoastGuardsmen aboard various ships arrived for Fleet Week Port Everglades April 28. An official reception for all hands was held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

During the reception, the Mayor of Hollywood, Peter Bober, welcomed Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Ramage (DDG 61), guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) into the community with many thanks for their service.

"It's an honor for me on behalf of the 143,000 residents of Hollywood to thank all the service members here," Bober said. "We hope you have a very pleasant and safe stay."

Bober presented the key to the city to Rear Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12. Holloway expressed his gratitude to the city for putting this event together.

"There are so many divisions that helped put this event together," Holloway said. "This does not come cheap, quick, or easy. It comes from volunteer time and great leadership."

The Southeast Navy Band from Jacksonville, Fla. provided musical performances, and Hard Rock treated service members to food and an open venue.

"Each year, Port Everglades is honored and humbled by the thousands of men and women who serve in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard," Port Everglades Director Phillip Allen said. "We appreciate everything you do to protect our country, and look forward to welcoming you to our community."

The guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) pulls into port at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for Fleet Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky)

Fleet Week New York Ships and Dates Announced

By Stacey Byington, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in the 21st anniversary of Fleet Week New York, which will take place May 21 - 28.

Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services. This event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Ships participating in this year's Fleet Week commemoration are the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile cruisers USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the guided- missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Nitze (DDG 94). Kearsarege, Leyte Gulf, Monterey and Nitze are homeported in Norfolk. The Sullivans is homeported in Mayport, Fla. Kearsarge and Leyte Gulf will be berthed in Manhattan; and Monterey, The Sullivans, and Nitze will be berthed at Staten Island.

In addition to public visitation of participating ships, May 22 – 27, there will be a number of exhibits showing off the technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members.

More information on Fleet Week New York 2008 is available on the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweek.navy.mil.