Fleet Week 2024 is here, as thousands of sailors take over NYC for annual tradition

Thousands of sailors have descended upon New York City for Fleet Week 2024, bringing multiple ships and dozens of activities for citizens to participate in.

Running from May 22 to 28, the Navy brought 11 vessels and nearly 2,300 service members to the Big Apple for the event.

New Yorkers can tour the ships of the Fleet Week Flotilla on the West Side of Manhattan between 45th and 49th Streets, and at the Homeport Pier, on Staten Island.

The annual tradition is an opportunity for civilians to learn more about the military, and for sailors from across the country to experience the city. 

Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, told PIX 11 that he wants sailors to 'storm the city of New York and get really immersed.' 

Thousands of sailors have descended upon New York City for Fleet Week 2024

The annual Parade of Ships kicked off the celebrations on Wednesday when the ships steamed into New York Harbor

Lt. Krystal Bibbins, who's deployed on the U.S.S. Bataan, said: 'I really love art, I want to go to the Met. I'm that type of person.

Lance Corporal Jameson Baldwin, who is from South Carolina, was fascinate with how big Manhattan really is.

'I was like okay, I thought there were multiple cities, but they told me there's just one,' he said. 'The towers are really high.'

The annual Parade of Ships kicked off the celebrations on Wednesday when the fleet, including the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109), steamed into New York Harbor.

A total of two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats and ships from Germany are now docked in Manhattan.

Dozens of service members waited in line to order food from street vendors

Sailors were seen posing for photos with characters in Times Square

Three sailors took photographs in Times Square on the first day of Fleet Week 2024

Service members packed into Times Square for performances from the Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon on Wednesday.

Dozens of sailors lined up on the iconic Red Stairs for the silent drill then took in the bright lights of the area.

Sailors were seen posing for photos with characters and waiting to order food from street vendors.

In Staten Island, students were introduced to the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the  Navy and Coast Guard on the soccer field as the Mount Loretto Aviation on Wednesday.

Now in its 36th year, the annual event has been held in New York City since 1984, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when the in-person event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and held virtually on social media.

Prior to that the event was last canceled in 2013 due to federal budget cuts.

Sailors walk through Times Square during

Sailors and Marines stand on the flight deck of the USS Bataan

In Staten Island, students were introduced to the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the Navy and Coast Guard

Marines wait to for a group portrait to be taken in Times Square

A host of free events that will be taking place, including general public ship tours, aviation demonstrations, military band performances and parades.

'Fleet Week is about celebrating those who serve and recognizing the unyielding strength of our Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team,' said Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Wesley McCall. '

'As we come together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service, we are reminded of the diverse and inclusive fighting force that is currently serving to protect national security and preserve our way of life.' 

'Our service members are excited for the opportunity to engage with the community and create lasting connections with the people of New York during this time-honored tradition.'