Kennedy Kicks Off Fleet Week New York
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050527-10
Release Date: 5/27/2005 10:03:00 AM
By Journalist 3rd Class (SW) Timothy Cox, USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs
ABOARD USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (JFK) (CV 67) pulled into New York City May 25 to participate in Fleet Week 2005.
The Mayport, Fla.-based aircraft carrier joined nine other ships pierside in the Big Apple, including vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and Pakistani navy.
The 18th annual Fleet Week is the city’s celebration in honor of the sea services. The event offers more than 6,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen an intimate view of one the world’s largest cities. It also provides the opportunity for the residents of New York City to get a closer look at how the United Sates and its allies conduct business at sea.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be here,” said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Jamie Daniel, who is participating in his first Fleet Week. “It’s not very often that the Navy visits New York, and what better time to visit?”
In addition to ship’s company and Sailors from Carrier Air Wing 17, Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are taking part in the weeklong visit.
“The hospitality so far has been unbelievable,” said Marine Lance Cpl. John Rogers, who hails from Versailles, Ky. “I’ve already had the time of my life, and I haven’t spent a dime.”
For many of the Sailors and embarked Marines, it will be their first time visiting the city, but for a handful, the event to pay tribute to the nation’s maritime heritage represents a homecoming of sorts.
“To steam into New York aboard an aircraft carrier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said native-New Yorker Lt. j.g. Christopher Terzian of JFK’s Engineering Department. “It’s a visit I’m sure I won’t soon forget.”
Fleet Week 2005 includes military demonstrations and displays, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
