Ships participating in the 2017 Fleet Week New York (FWNY) were saluted by the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton during the official Parade of Ships kickoff, May 24.
Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) rendered a seven-gun salute with U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton, with Fort Hamilton providing a 15-gun salute in return.
“New York has always had a close relationship with the military,” said Anthony Giovinco, U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and chief of staff and secretary of the United Military Veterans of Kings County Memorial Day Parade. “The Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are treated very well here. This is a tradition that is important to me. It brings back fond memories of the years I spent in the military.”
In addition to Kearsarge, USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), Kingston-class coastal defence vessel HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701), Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), Ticonderoga-class cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56), Oceanographic research ship RV Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27), Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8), Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Yuma (EPF 8), and U.S. Naval Academy yard patrol boats participated in the Parade of Ships.
“Fleet Week New York is a way for the general public to view and experience the maritime sea services while allowing us to show our appreciation for our Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen,” said U.S. Army Spc. Tanner Butler, currently assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton. “I feel, that since 9/11, it is really important for the people of New York to experience these things and to remember that our fellow Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are there for us.”
Held nearly every year since 1984, FWNY is now in its 29th year.