Around 4,500 sailors, marines and coast guardsmen will take over Manhattan for this year's Fleet Week, according to organizers.
Since 1984 Fleet Week, which will takes place from May 25 to 31 this year, has offered free events to celebrate those serving at sea. It's also the perfect week for military ship and plane enthusiasts, with free demonstrations and tours on offer to members of the public.
Ship tours will be held May 26 to May 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for free.
► Manhattan Ship Tours:
• Pier 88S: USS Bataan
• Pier 92S: HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Kingston and HMCS Moncton
• Pier 86N: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, USNA YP's and USCGC Juniper (tours begin at 10 a.m.)
► Brooklyn Ship Tours:
• Brooklyn Cruise Terminal: USS Farragut, USS Bainbridge and USCGC Forward
► Staten Island Ship Tours:
• Sullivan's Homeport Pier: USS Fort McHenry and USS Shamal
Here's a look at some of the other free public events going on this Fleet Week:
► Inaugural Parade of Ships
When: May 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: On the Hudson River, from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge
The first parade will signal the start of the Fleet Week celebrations. Details about participating ships and where to catch them will be announced on the event's website.
► 11-Gun Salute
When: May 25 at 12:08 p.m.
Where: Fort Hamilton Bluff, Brooklyn
The US Navy warship USS Bataan and Fort Hamilton will exchange ceremonial gunfire using blanks by each rendering an 11-gun salute for a total of 22 loud booms.
► Navy Band Concerts
When: Various times all week
Where: 22 Battery Place
The first navy band concert, featuring the Northeast Rhode Island Sound, will take place at 5 p.m. on May 25.
► Helicopter Rescue Demonstrations
When: All week from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86N
A helicopter will conduct a search and rescue demonstrations at the Intrepid Museum.
► U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Conduct Practice Parachute Jump
When: May 27 at 10 a.m.
Where: Citi Field in Flushing, Queens
The U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will run a practice jump three days before their scheduled appearance at the Mets v. White Sox game at Citi Field on May 30.
► US Navy Stewards of the Sea Environmental & Energy Exhibits
When: May 27 to May 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pier 88S, Manhattan
The Navy will showcase its initiatives for energy conservation. ‘Stewie,’ the Navy’s mascot will also be available for photo ops.
► Military Day at Battery Park
When: May 28, 6:30 a.m.
Where: Battery Park, Manhattan
During the Military Day celebration, there will be a boot camp-style exercise session. Other activities include military band performances and demonstrations will continue until 5 p.m.
► VFW Post#5195 Street Party
When: Saturday May 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 325 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn
The VFW Post#5195 will host a street party and wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Memorial Day.
► Fleet Week New York Community Music Festival
When: Sunday, May 29, 12 p.m.
Where: Flagship Brewery at 40 Minthorne St., Staten Island
► Annual New York Mets/USO Military Appreciation
When: Monday, May 30, 1:10 p.m.
Where: Citi Field in Flushing, Queens
New York Mets will host the annual Military Appreciation Day. Events will include a flyover and a U.S. Navy Parachute Team "The Leap Frogs" demonstration.
► U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration
When: Monday, May 30, 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86N, Manhattan
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter will conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration over open water near the the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space pier.
For details on the events and a complete version of the schedule, visit the Fleet Week New York website.
