Fleet Week 2025 sails into NYC with annual Parade of Ships on Hudson River
On May 21, 2025, New York City officially kicked off its highly anticipated Fleet Week with the traditional Parade of Ships along the Hudson River. This week-long event, which runs until May 27, honors the brave members of the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, while showcasing contemporary military technology and history.
Event Highlights
This year’s Fleet Week celebrates 250 years of maritime service, aptly themed “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence.” Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, Commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, expressed the significance of this year’s celebration, stating, “Our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen have been on the front lines of freedom… We look forward to this 37-year-old tradition of connecting with the great city of New York.”
Parade of Ships Schedule
The Parade of Ships commenced early Wednesday morning, with the procession originally set to begin at 7:45 a.m. However, due to delays, spectators waiting along the riverbanks saw the vessels make their grand entrance shortly before noon. The iconic journey took the ships past landmark sights, including the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, before concluding just below the George Washington Bridge.
Participating Ships
This year’s parade featured an impressive lineup of naval vessels. Below is a table listing the ships that will be on display throughout Fleet Week:
| Ship Name | Type | Location for Tours |
|---|---|---|
| USS New York (LPD 21) | Amphibious Transport Dock | Pier 88 (Fri-Sat) |
| USS Oakhill (LSD 51) | Dock Landing Ship | Staten Island Homeport Pier (Thurs-Mon) |
| USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759) | Coast Guard Cutter | Pier 90 (Fri-Sat) |
| USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109) | Coast Guard Cutter | Staten Island Homeport Pier (Thurs-Mon) |
| HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434) | Offshore Patrol Vessel | Not open for tours |
A Special Connection: USS New York
The USS New York holds a unique significance for many New Yorkers. The ship’s bow is constructed from 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, serving as a poignant reminder of resilience and commitment. Marine Corps Captain Christian Gonzalez-Bayer underscored this sentiment, stating, “Our motto is ‘Never Forget.’ It reflects our duty to honor the past while fulfilling our mission today.”
As Fleet Week continues, various activities and exhibitions are planned, allowing the public to engage with service members and gain insight into the valued contributions of our armed forces in safeguarding freedom and security.
