Fleet Week in NYC: Parade of ships and other events return for weeklong celebration

Fleet Week is well underway, as New York celebrates our nation's military.

It's also a time to honor and remember those service members who have given their lives fighting for our country, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported Sunday.

In the heart of Times Square, the Navy Band Northeast's Pops Ensemble played its latest concert. Men and women in uniform shared their service and talent.

"Everyone is being very receptive to the Navy, very enthusiastic. It has been awesome," Musician 2nd Class Steven Hooper said.

The concert was part of Fleet Week, a celebration of the the sea services, including the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Just a few yards away from the band, Navy divers entertained spectators and talked about their work.

"If anything happens, something falls out of the sky into the ocean, we'll go get it, recover it, any critical components, or like my last command was a shipyard, so I was working on nuclear submarines," Petty Officer 2nd Class Cain Randle said.

Fleet Week is an opportunity to thank our nation's service members, but also a time during this long Memorial Day weekend, to remember those who died fighting. That includes U.S. Army Sgt. Mario Nelson, a Haitian immigrant from Brooklyn, who decided to go from the reserves to active duty after 9/11.

"I think about him. I know he's smiling down at me," tearful Gold Star spouse Mecca Nelson said.

Grymes met Mecca Wilson outside the USS Intrepid. Sgt. Nelson died in Iraq in 2006 at age 26, leaving her and their daughter behind.

"I want people to stop and remember how these wonderful people who are willing to serve, fight for our country, and although some come home, some do not come back home," Mecca Nelson said.

The veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice will be honored at several Fleet Week Memorial Day events on Monday, including the annual commemoration on board the Intrepid.

The USS Bataan was commissioned in 1997 and named for the brave men and women fighting for freedom in the Battle of Bataan during World War II. CBS2's Alice Gainer took a tour of the amphibious assault ship on Thursday.

At the Crossroads of the World, there was a one-of-a-kind cross between world-class music and military pomp and circumstance.

The U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment performed for hundreds of lucky spectators on the first night of Fleet Week, CBS2's Nick Caloway reported.

"Wonderful. It was really, really nice," Berlin resident Franziska Kohn said.

"I think it's special for all of us to get to be out here and to celebrate such a tremendous thing as Fleet Week," Marine Corps Cpl. Nicolas Lopez added.

Fleet Week is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services, including the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.

It's a thrill for New Yorkers and visitors, and, of course, the brave men and women who keep us all safe.

"I think it's a great experience. It's a good opportunity for Marines and sailors to get out and enjoy themselves, but also to leave an impression on the public and be able to interact and talk to people," Marine Corps Sgt. Trever Archer said.

"One good thing about New York is that they welcome the uniform service, so it has been an awesome experience," Navy Corpsman Chinedu Enwuba said.

Some 3,000 service members have flooded the city for the week-long event, and an estimated 100,000 visitors are here to learn about what a life of service looks like, from public ship tours to aviation demonstrations, military band performances, and interactive displays.

The ship tours begin Thursday and run through Memorial Day.

The ships will leave New York Harbor on Tuesday.

The 844-foot ship memorializes the valiant resistance of American and Filipino troops on the Bataan peninsula during World War II.

CBS2's Maurice DuBois spoke with Rear Adm. Kevin E. Lunday about the Coast Guard's operations up and down the East Coast.

Throughout Wednesday, CBS2 watched as the majestic parade of ships kicked off Fleet Week in New York City.

One ship not participating in the organized festivities is the Coast Guard Cutter Penobscot Bay, but that doesn't mean its service should not be celebrated. CBS2's Maurice Dubois got firsthand look at a day in the life on board that vessel.

He was welcomed aboard the 140-foot vessel in port in Bayonne.

"We're going down the Verrazano Bridge, just to fly the U.S. flag and the Coast Guard flag to show we have a presence on the Hudson River," Lt. Cmdr. Pat Bennett said.

Bennett said that presence is a cornerstone of the security, law enforcement, and rescue operations the ship is responsible for on the waterways.

"So this is your basic patrol mission, right?" Dubois asked.

"The Coast Guard is here to respond to any threat that there may be," Bennett said.

In fact, the Penobscot Bay was called to a special mission just last month.

"The most recent threat that we've seen was the Brooklyn subway shooting. We were called at a moment's notice," Bennett said.

"What was your thought? Personally, you and the crew?" Dubois asked.

"So, for me, I thought, was this going to be the modern day 9/11? My mind went to that because we had no idea," Bennett said.

It's all part of the day-to-day Coast Guard operation, the nation's first armed force on the sea, established in 1790.

There's a crew of 18 men who currently live on board the Penobscot Bay.

"We have two berthing areas, on the port and starboard side," Senior Enlisted Man Brandon Tahincioglu said.

Tahincioglu gave Dubois a tour of the ship, showing the captain's quarters, and he explained a tradition on the bridge.

"Only the captain is allowed to sit in that chair," Tahincioglu said.

Dubois also saw the mess hall, galley, engine room, and engineering control center.

The Penobscot Bay was built in 1985, one of nine ice-breaking tugs in the Coast Guard.

"Come January, it's go-season for us," Tahincioglu said.

Ice breaking is an essential area of responsibility to keep commercial boat traffic, including the transport of gas and home heating oil, moving from Albany to the lower Hudson Bay.

"What are your thoughts on working in a place like this?" Dubois asked.

"Every day you see something different, and you're always learning, every time we go out," one seaman said.

"You come to New York Harbor, see the skyline to know it's there. There's some significance there," a seaman said.

"What does Fleet Week mean to you?" Dubois inquired.

"It's one of the few times of the year that we're at the forefront," a seaman said.

"The Coast Guard usually doesn't get that high recognition, but we are this week, and it's awesome," Bennett added. 

On Wednesday morning, CBS2's John Elliott was on a Coast Guard response boat. These very fast and very nimble boats play a crucial role in protecting our area waterways.

During a break, Elliott was able to explore a very different kind of Coast Guard asset crewed by some local members of the Guard.

He went on a little bit of a field trip, from a response boat medium to a cutter in the middle of New York Harbor.

"There is nothing about the Coast Guard that makes me not want to get up and work every day. Great people," said Capt. Marc Sennick, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector NY.

When asked what people actually know about the Coast Guard, Sennick said, "We're a very unique and dynamic service. We have 11 different missions that goes from ice breaking ... to fisheries, to law enforcement, to search and rescue, to oil pollution response. We just have a very large mission portfolio."

Elliott saw an ice breaker, the Sturgeon Bay. He went to the front of the boat, the bow, and unlike most hulls that would be shaped like a V to cut through the water, it's shaped like a football to punch through the ice. It uses compressed air to lubricate the side of ship so it can break right through.

When you consider that 90 percent of our heating oil comes by water, you realize how important this ship is to secure our comfort all winter long, Elliott reported.

"It is amazing to have Fleet Week back," Sennick added. "The city deserves Fleet Week, the public deserves Fleet Week, and that's who it's for."

"Right now my wife and I live in beautiful Jersey City," Commanding Officer Daniel Swaim said, adding when asked what he loves about it, "What don't I love about Jersey City. The pizza is fantastic. The people are fantastic. It's hard to beat it."

The term "cutter" is a designation that dates to 1790 and the Revenue Cutter Service created by Alexander Hamilton. By 1915, it was combined with the United States Life Saving Service to form the Coast Guard. 

After a pandemic pause, Fleet Week is back, and you couldn't ask for better weather. 

Crowds are delighted to once again take it all in. 

It's a great way to meet and thank members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. 

There was excitement at Pier 76 as the ceremonial Parade of Ships consisting of U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Royal Navy vessels made their way up the Hudson Wednesday morning. 

"Today I got up at 6:30 just to come here," William Clow said. 

That early alarm clock was well worth it, his father said. 

"For him to see the folks who protect this country is really important to me," Edward Clow said. 

You've got amphibious assault ships, combat ships and yard patrol craft, to name a few. 

"It makes me feel confident in the American - it's a show of force, I guess. You know what I'm saying," one person said. 

You can view it all along the Hudson River from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge. 

Some tourists from out of the country were loving it. 

"Once in a lifetime - literally is. We just caught it. We didn't come down for that but, wow. What a bonus," said Andrew Roberts of Manchester, England. "We are much impressed - I've never seen it before."

From public ship tours to aviation demonstrations, military band performances and interactive displays - there's even some antique military vehicles. 

There's a lot to see and do to celebrate the sea services. It's fun for service members too. Gainer caught up with a few in Times Square. 

"This is my first time in New York, so just to be able to come here in my uniform and represent the Marine Corps, I'm really honored," said Marine Sgt. Daniel Gadia. 

"One good thing about New York is that they welcome the uniformed service, so it's been an awesome experience. Walking through, having people say hi, like 'What's up? Hi! How are you doing?' At least acknowledging the fact that you're able to put yourself on the line to, you know, save the country," said Navy Corpsman Chinedu Enwuba. 

Tours are free and open to the public. It's not required, but be prepared to wear a mask and show your vaccination card. 

It's always one of the most majestic sites along the Hudson River, and it returned in full force. 

The Parade of Ships arrived Wednesday morning to kick off Fleet Week. 

As CBS2's Elijah Westbrook reports, it was quite the day so far, seeing the massive ships make their way up the Hudson River. 

New Yorkers Westbrook spoke with say it was truly breathtaking. 

"It's so cool," William Clow said. 

William and his father Edward woke up bright and early to catch all the action on the Hudson. 

"Today I got up at 6:30 just to come here," William said. 

"For him to see the folks who protect this country is really important to me," Edward Clow said. 

Wednesday has been a day we haven't seen in a while, Westbrook reported. What's felt like two long years of the COVID-19 pandemic has put Fleet Week on pause in the city. But its return has brought the excitement back, especially for Sarah Rodney, who's currently in the Navy. She's originally from Guyana, and has a family history of military service. 

"I must say, it's an honor as a citizen that I'm given this opportunity to serve this country," Rodney said. "It's awesome. I'm enjoying it. The feeling - the feeling is just great."

Fleet Week is one of New York's beloved traditions. It's a celebration of the country's sea services, including the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. 

This year's Fleet Week will bring out more than 3,000 sailors, and nearly 100,000 visitors, who are expected to learn what a life of service is like, all while getting a firsthand look at what it entails to be in the military. 

"This is my last utter way with the ship before I transfer so this is a good way to end it. Coming back home and celebrating with the guys," said Naval officer Reilly Bryant. 

Chopper 2 flew over the Parade of Ships, each docking one-by-one at various points along the Hudson. It was a fascinating sight for everyone watching from Pier 76, and especially William. 

"I've seen some ships that are really long," William said. "It's so cool." 

Of course, this week is all about thanking the men and women who serve our country. Certainly, a lot to be thankful for and learn about over the next few days. 

Fleet Week ends next Tuesday. 

CBS2's Jim Smith was over the USS Bataan and the Parade of Ships as they arrived in New York City.   

Chopper 2 is checking out the Parade of Ships as they arrive in New York City. 

CBS2's Mary Calvi speaks with the president of the USS Intrepid about what they have planned for the weeklong celebration. 

CBS2's Elijah Westbrook speaks with members of the Marines about what they do in the day-to-day. 

CBS2's Mary Calvi speaks with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, who say this is their first time celebrating Fleet Week in the city. 

Chopper 2 is over the Intrepid as the Parade of Ships is set to start. 

CBS2's Elijah Westbrook speaks with Besnik Nokaj, of the U.S. Navy, who says he's happy to be back home in New York City. 

CBS2's John Elliott speaks with Coast Guard crew members on the water in New York Harbor.

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is the unofficial epicenter for many of the Fleet Week activities. 

But even beyond this week, it's full of rich military history that deserves to be seen and shared.

To find out more about the history of the Intrepid, CLICK HERE. 

We hear from the first minority person and only the second woman to serve as commander of the largest Coast Guard field command on the East Coast, sector New York. 

CBS2's Elijah Westbrook reports from Pier 76, where the Parade of Ships is ready to roll in.

CBS2's Mary Calvi has a closer look at the tradition that dates back more than 100 years.

CLICK HERE for the full story.

From concerts to ship tours and more, we have you covered with a list of public events this week. 

CLICK HERE for more.