Fleet Week 2024 got off to a splashy start over Memorial Day weekend in New York City, with a stellar display of nautical demonstrations combined with military traditions. The “Parade of Ships” kicked things off on May 22nd, making its symbolic entry into New York Harbor at 9 AM and wrapped up on May 29th. In contrast, the 11-ship gathering was positively sparse compared to the pre-9/11 era, when more than 40 international naval ships, including full-deck US aircraft carriers, arrived in New York Harbor.
The ships were moored at two principal locations: the Homeport Pier in Staten Island and the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal Piers on Manhattan’s West Side, adjacent to the USS Intrepid museum. Homeport Pier, built back in the 1980s for the USS Iowa (BB-61), supported three vessels: the USS Marinette (LCS-25), USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759), and USCGC Katherine Walker (WML-552). Manhattan hosted eight ships: the four US Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats, USCGC Sturgeon Bay, the German frigate FGS Baden-Wurttemberg (F-222), the replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt on Main (A-1412), and the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan (LHD-5).
Anchoring the event was the USS Bataan, moored at Pier 88 with eight helicopters on deck for the public to see. The 843-foot vessel was returning from its eight-month deployment in the 6th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility, bringing with it an impressive aviation group of AV-8B Harriers, CH-53K King Super Stallions, and MV-22B Ospreys. Her recent deployments in the volatile Red Sea to protect the international sea lanes from Houthi rebel attacks, among other activities-pinpointed a vital role in maritime security.
Now in its 36th year, Fleet Week NYC remains a beloved tradition, allowing New Yorkers to interact and learn from active duty Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. Aviation activities involved flyovers, as well as an air-sea rescue demonstration. Military helicopters were also available for viewing at Eisenhower Park, Liberty Park, and other locations around town to give the public a glimpse of what today’s maritime aviation is capable of.
A Navy League VIP tour of the USS Bataan provided quite a detailed view of the operations of the ship. First stopped at the Upper Vehicle Deck which had USMC combat vehicles, then the Well Deck, which was used to launch landing crafts. Of course, the highlight of the tour had to be seeing an LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion), more commonly known as a hovercraft, used in troop and vehicle transportation at extremely high speeds.
The tour proceeded up to the flight deck, with five helicopters, all explained by their respective crews-an MV-22B Osprey, a CH-53K King Super Stallion, an AH-1Z Viper, a UH-1Y Venom, and an MH-60S Seahawk. These aircraft, which are at the core of the Bataan’s operations, speak volumes about the versatility and strength of US Navy aviation assets.
Fleet Week 2024 represented the undying spirit of the sea services and their important role in guaranteeing national security. As New Yorkers and visitors alike marveled at the ships and aircraft, they were reminded of the dedication and bravery of the men and women who served in the maritime forces.