Fleet Week Bonds Soldier and Civilian

"The one thing I love about Fleet Week," Lance Corporal David Kihano said, "Is that we have an opportunity to give back to the public as they give back to us. They send us cards, give us handshakes and pay taxes." The 23rd annual New York Fleet Week kicked off this Wednesday May 26th, as New York City becomes the host of numerous seamen for a week of attractions and celebration. The seamen who enjoy the extravaganza of Fleet Week are a select few who are privileged with touring New York. "Fleet Week is great," Commander Frank Hutchinson said, "its seeing New York, the greatest city in the world."


For the past 22 Memorial Day weekends, tourists flock to New York City to experience the Fleet Week extravaganza. Fleet Week is an American tradition in which ships that have seen active duty are docked in major cities for one week. Once docked, their crews are encouraged to enjoy the city while promoting patriotism and raising awareness for the selfless effort of military personnel at home and abroad. 

"Fleet week is a great time for the celebration of our sea services," Lt. Sean Riordan, Deputy Director of the Navy's Office of Information, said "it's a great opportunity to bring the fleet to the community and the community to the fleet."

Members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard enjoy the atmosphere of New York while being greeted by tourists and New Yorkers alike. It is a common occurrence for a member of sea services to pose for a picture and receive a firm handshake from an eager youngster.


Since 1935 fleet week has become a tradition across several U.S. cities. San Diego hosted the first fleet week in convergence with the California Pacific International Expo. During this week, President Roosevelt addressed the nation with inspiring words. "No one can deny that we have passed through troubled years," Roosevelt said, "No one can fail to feel the inspiration of your high purpose." Throughout the decades Fleet Week has continued to showcase American military prowess and the link between sailor and civilian.


This week in New York, The Intrepid and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima are docked in the Harbor at Pier 86. Tourists are encouraged to come aboard and see how sailors live and connect with them on a personal level. New Yorkers are encouraged to pay their respects to members of the Armed Services living and dead.


Fleet Week is also a week for the City and the nation to give back to members of the armed services. Many restaurants and attractions in the city allow seamen to take part in the New York atmosphere for free. Numerous restaurants have special events honoring the armed forces. DCFN Katie Cockburn, a woman in service, enjoyed the atmosphere of Fleet Week and the amazing responses from passers by. "It's really crazy," Cockburn said "People just walk up and want to take pictures with us and shake our hand." For all ranks and genders in the armed services Fleet Week offers a time of community spirit and the opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to those serving our country.


This mutual feeling of community and respect defines Fleet Week. Many citizens do not have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a member of the armed forces throughout the year. For one week in New York City they have this opportunity. Fleet Week is the true connection between soldier and civilian.

"All I ask for is a smile and a handshake," Riordan commented, "And an opportunity to tell you what we do." Seamen have the opportunity to enjoy New York City and the community has the privilege of getting to know the men and women who serve and protect our great nation. Fleet week marks the true bonding between those in the armed services and the men and women they represent overseas.