JUNE 2, 2025 – U.S. Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen came together for the 37th Annual Fleet Week New York in New York City, May 21-27, 2025.
This year’s event was significant as the Navy and Marine Corps celebrated their 250 years of continuous commitment to safeguarding American prosperity and freedom.
“The significance of being here in New York City for the 250th year of the Marine Corps is immense. The Marines having the opportunity to show honorable service to the public here in New York City and being able to talk to the civilians who have questions on what we do is very important.” U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joel Del Rosario, Marine Aircraft Group 41 logistics officer
Fleet Week New York is an annual event that honors the unwavering commitment and maritime excellence of the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard while at sea. In its 37th year, the event provided service members with opportunities to engage with the local communities of New York City and participate in public outreach activities.
The week began with the Parade of Ships, featuring U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy vessels as they sailed into New York Harbor. These vessels included the USS New York (LPD 21), the USS Oakhill (LSD 51), the USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759), the Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109), and the Canadian Navy’s HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434).
“After Fleet Week, the American public is going to take away the idea and notion that their United States Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard stand ready to defend them at any time, in any place at the moment notice,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. William V. Gorsuch, commanding officer of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Fleet Week NY.
Throughout the week, various events demonstrated the Marine Corps’ strength, precision, and maritime capabilities.
Highlights included performances by the Silent Drill Platoon with Marine Barracks Washington and the 2nd Marine Division Band at Times Square. The Freedom Run where Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen ran through downtown New York, ended at the World Trade Center Memorial. The closing highlight was a series of military competitions between service members, first responders, and local groups outside the Intrepid Museum.
Ship tours and aviation static displays were also opened to the public.
“Fleet Week New York showcases the readiness of the Navy and the Marine Corps, and it also showcases what naval capabilities we have,” said Gorsuch. “When they get to see the lethality and the presence from the sea that the Navy and Marine Corps project, I think they’re going to be thoroughly impressed with what they see.”
Coinciding with Memorial Day, FWNY also served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served. A Wreath-Laying Ceremony with New York officials and a Memorial Day Parade commemorated the fallen service members with dignity and reverence.
“What we hope the American people see in our Marines and what we hope we display is inspiration for future generations of Marines,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, a platoon commander with the Silent Drill Platoon. “The Marine Corps has been creating men and a culture of integrity for 250 years, and we’re just lucky to be part of it and carry forward that legacy.”
Throughout 2025, the Marine Corps will continue to engage in nationwide events in major cities, celebrating its 250th birthday and showcasing its warfighting spirit.
Lance Cpl. Ellen Guo
Headquarters Marine Corps