Fleet Week New York City 2010Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships will be in Manhattan for Fleet Week New York, May 26 - June 2.Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What should I wear to the ships? Visitors should plan on wearing comfortable clothing. If you are bringing a handbag or camera case it will be searched prior to entering. Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if it is going to be sunny. A ship is an industrial environment, so avoid high-heels; necklaces that can get caught and bags that will be too heavy to comfortably. When can I visit the ships? Ship Tours will be held during the week in Manhattan at Pier 88 and in Staten Island. Tours will be conducted daily, Thursday - Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lines may be capped at 3 p.m. Manhattan tours will be closed on Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to come early. Visitors are reminded that lines to visit these ships may be closed prior to scheduled visiting hours so that the last people in line have the opportunity to complete their tour in conjunction with the end of visiting hours. How do we get onboard the ships? Visitors should look for clearly marked entrances. Everyone must go through a security check prior to accessing any ship. The security check is similar to what is present at most airports and consists of a walk-through metal detector and/or wand scan. Is there an age requirement to visit the ships? There is no age requirement to tour U.S. Navy Ships during Fleet Week. However, there may be steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse during a ship tour, and thus, tours may not be appropriate for small children and may be difficult for parents carrying young children. Are strollers allowed on the ships? Strollers or baby carriages are permitted on the pier, but are not allowed on the ships. Are the ships handicapped accessible? U.S. Navy ships are not handicapped accessible. However, the pier facilities at both Manhattan and Staten Island - including the exhibit, observation, refreshment, and restroom areas are handicapped accessible. Are there any physical requirements to visit the ships? There may be steep ladders (stairways) to climb and narrow passageways to traverse during a ship tour. Ship tours may not be appropriate for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions impacting their ability to navigate such challenges. What items are allowed on the ships? Small hand-carried items such as handbags, clear bottles of water, small cameras or diaper bags are permitted. All personnel are screened and all bags are searched before entering the pier. What items are not allowed on the ships? The following are not permitted: bottles, cans or containers of any type; banners, posters or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animalsAll electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The U.S. Navy reserves the right to prohibit other items not listed above. May I take photographs on the ships? Yes, photography is permitted on board the ships during the tours. Pictures of the security personnel or procedures are prohibited. Is smoking allowed on the ships? No. There is no smoking onboard any ship or anywhere on the pier. Is there any food available during the ship visitation? No food is available on the ships, but visitors will be able to purchase water and some food items at concession stands on the piers. Source: MilitarySpot.com |