Fleet Week 2025 Starts With Spectacular Parade of Ships in NYC

NEW YORK CITY — Fleet Week 2025 kicked off on Wednesday with the annual Parade of Ships sailing up the Hudson River. This year marks the 37th annual event, which runs from May 21 to May 27, the day after Memorial Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence,” highlighting the history and commitment of the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.

Despite the rain, hundreds of spectators lined the riverbanks to witness the impressive fleet arrive. The procession began around 7:45 a.m. but did not reach the Hudson River until just before noon. Ships sailed past iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park, before concluding their journey near the George Washington Bridge.

Commodore Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, expressed the significance of this year’s Fleet Week. “Our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen have been on the front lines of freedom for 250 years, and this event is a chance for us to connect with the public and honor their service,” he stated in a press release.

This year, two U.S. Navy ships, two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, and five U.S. Navy Academy Yard Patrol boats will be available for public tours. Notably, the USS New York, which features steel from the World Trade Center, will be docked at Pier 88.

Beginning Thursday, the USS Oak Hill and USCGC Sturgeon Bay will host tours at the Staten Island Homeport, while the U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats will be showcased at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum through Saturday. The Canadian ship, HMCS Frédérick Rolette, is not open for tours.

As part of the festivities, the Intrepid Museum will offer various activities including military competitions and a free movie night featuring “Top Gun” on May 23. Military demonstrations will also occur at the museum on the weekend.

Fleet Week is an opportunity for New Yorkers to interact with service members and show their appreciation. “Every uniform has a story of sacrifice and service to our nation,” Rear Adm. Lahti emphasized. The celebration continues through Memorial Day, culminating in tributes to fallen heroes.