NYPAO, New York, NY -- The Intrepid Sea Air Museum was the official reviewing stand for the Parade of Ships that kicked off the 15th annual Fleet Week on the Hudson River today. The Parade was led by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a Barque Tall Ship, and concluded with the amphibious Assault Ship USS Iwo Jima.
This kick off to the weeklong event, hosted by the city of New York, included a Marine Corps martial arts demonstration, water displays by fireboats, and fly-by displays of military aircraft.
Marines from Foxtrot-25, a Reserve Unit out of Albany, NY that has been activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and currently stationed at Camp Ledjune, NC thrilled onlookers with an intense display of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
?This is Fleet Week,? said Sgt. Tyson Ruecker of Foxtrot-25, ?We?re here to show off what we do and enjoy the great hospitality of the city of New York.?
?It?s really an impressive show,? said Patrick Donnelly,16, of Randolf, NJ, ?It makes me really proud of our military, I can see why we are the best.? Randolf and other students from Delbarton were attending the Parade of Ships as part of a class trip.
The Parade of Ships was observed by a number of distinguished military leaders including Adm. William J. Fallon, U.S. Navy Vice Chief of Naval Operations and MGen. Jack A. Davis, Commanding General, 4th Marine Division.
During the Parade Adm. Fallon presented The Intrepid Distinguished Leadership Award to Hon. Raymond Kelly, Commissioner, Police Department, City of New York and Hon. Nicholas Scoppetta, Commissioner, Fire Department, City of New York. The Intrepid Distinguished Leadership Award is presented to individuals whose determination, dedication, and outstanding moral character have contributed to the greater development of our nation.
New York City will host the nearly two dozen ships and honor all military personnel with many exciting activities that will last until May 28. This year Fleet Week has designated Saturday May 25th as Marine Day to specifically honor the contributions of the U.S. Marines. Marine day will begin with a 5K fun run in Central Park. Members of the Marine Corps, New York Police Department, Fire Department, and Port Authority Police will lead runners through one of New York?s most serene locations. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m.