Fleet Week NYC 2024: See massive warships sailing around New York to honor service members

Fleet Week is setting sail in New York City from May 21 to May 27 to honor those who serve and protect the United States seas.

Nearly 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will be honored at the Hudson River during Fleet Week, which began in 1988.

"Fleet Week New York, now in its 36th year, is a time-honored tradition for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast team to visit New York City over the Memorial Day weekend,” Director of Public Affairs and Fleet Week New York, Beth Baker, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

“The week-long event provides us an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding area to meet their service members and see firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services," Baker said in the statement.

At the Hudson River on Wednesday morning, crew members were getting ready to kickoff the annual event.

Here are some of the things you should know about New York’s Fleet Week:

Fleet Week schedule

Fleet Week will run from May 22 until May 28. See below for information about tours.

How can I watch the celebration in New York?

USA TODAY provided a livestream of Fleet Week in New York City. Watch a replay above.

Photos and videos show the kickoff to Fleet Week 2024

US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
People take photos as the Baden-Württemberg-class frigate lead ship of the German Navy passes during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
People take photos as the Baden-Württemberg-class frigate lead ship of the German Navy passes during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it makes its way up the Hudson River during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it makes its way up the Hudson River during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.
US Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, as it passes the Statue of Liberty during Fleet Week in New York Harbor on May 22, 2024.

Fleet Week tours

People can also participate in a public tour of ships including the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), a Baden-Württemberg-class frigate and a German Berlin-class replenishment ship. You'll just need to have a valid ID.

A full schedule of the tours can be found on the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's website.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on InstagramThreads and X (Twitter).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fleet Week NYC 2024: See photos, schedule as ships sail near New York