I don't know when this was taken, but it makes me recall the times I almost got sick when horsing around with flight simulators.
Posted on 05/31/2006 5:47:45 PM PDT by SandRat
NEW YORK (NNS) -- The 19th New York City Fleet Week came to a close May 31, as Sailors and Marines left New York City in their wake, headed for their next destination.
While visiting the ‘Big Apple,’ Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen participated in community service events, sports competitions, military demonstrations and Memorial Day remembrances in all five boroughs.
“I’m just impressed by the good, positive attitudes and willingness to work that the young Sailors express,” commented Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Paul Ablaza, a Reservist with Naval Security Forces, Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, N.J. “Seeing the dedication of our young Sailors makes me proud to see such a positive influence as the Navy has on Sailors, as well as the kids coming to tour the ships.”
Highlights of the week included a welcome from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a tug-of-war contest among the ships, with the finale against the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Best Chow contest, appearances on New York television shows such as David Letterman, reenlistment ceremonies at Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty, and Memorial Day remembrances.
Sea service members also took part in community service projects and served food at a soup kitchen, cleaned a park for children with disabilities, and spent time with New Yorkers at a children’s home.
In addition to providing services, Sailors and Marines took in the sights and sounds, the hustle and bustle of "the city that never sleeps." With opportunities like being welcomed by the actors of the new X-Men movie, learning a high kick from the Rockettes, taking in a Yankee game, or just having a slice of real New York pizza, sea service members savored the “Big Apple.”
For many service members, it was also long-awaited opportunity to spend time with family. But even being away from home, Sailors and Marines still found hometown friendliness in the big city with the Staten Island Adopt-a-Sailor Program. Starting its seventh year, the Staten Island program has paired more than 100 families with Sailors and Marines during Fleet Week. Families often take the sea service members to dinner, plays or to see the sights.
“I’m part of a family of five when I’m in port,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 1st Class David Smith from USS Klakring (DDG 42). “And I feel like I’m part of a family here, too.”
During Fleet Week, New Yorkers and tourists visited the ships, which were open to the public, with more than 90,000 people touring at Pier 88 in Manhattan and Sullivan’s Pier, Staten Island.
USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109) and USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) departed May 27.
The remaining six ships departed May 31 and included USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Anzio (CG 68), USS Nitze (DDG 94), Klakring, USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Shreveport (LPD 12).
Fleet Week kicked off May 24 with the majestic Parade of Ships.
For more information, visit the official Navy Fleet Week New York Web site at www.fleetweek.navy.mil.
Fleet Week NYC, NY!
Wow! Great pics! I sure do miss my sailor! I love to see all those sweet faces in their uniforms. Wish I could give them all mom-hugs!
Navy Moms and their Sailors - A hug fest in the making.
Prayer for the US Navy
O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea.
Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein.
Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions.
In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Saw a fantastic photo of the Blue Angels flying up the East River with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Absolutely beautiful and pride-inspiring.
So long Sailors till next year's Fleet Week!
Seeing that can move a man to tears. Just telling someone about it can, too.
A simple, solemn gesture that bellows the virtues of strength, love, loyalty, allegiance, order, honor, and the gravity of 9/11.
Manning the Rail to Render Honors
it's amazing how much you miss by living here. have you a link to that?
and that it does. even to the ignorant such as myself.
not that it honors even the ignorant, but even the ignorant can sense the honor it renders.
That's OK, I knew what you meant.
It was in the NY times (of all places) and you probably have to register /subscribe to their special on-line edition. I saw a reprint of it in The Weekly Standard.
I don't know when this was taken, but it makes me recall the times I almost got sick when horsing around with flight simulators.
Amen
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.