STREET INVASIONThe streets of New York this week weren't just filled with the usual tourists. Men and women representing the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guardsmen invaded Manhattan and the outer boroughs in a more peaceful 'shore leave' from May 20-26 for the 22nd annual Fleet Week. Armed with their point-and-shoot cameras, the sailors stroll into Times Square in pairs and in groups and tried to melt with the tourist crowd. More often, they find themselves the tourist attraction as random people on the streets took photos of them just as I merrily did this morning on a sunny Memorial Day.
WELCOME ABOARD!Meanwhile, the ships docked at Stapleton Pier in Staten Island and Pier 88 in Manhattan get huge crowds of curious visitors lining up to get a look inside. I've been on the USS Intrepid which is of course now a floating museum but I've never been on something so big that's still being used in active combat. This morning, we enthusiastically queued to visit the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), a 40,500-ton amphibious assault ship that saw action during Operation Iraqi Freedom and served to support relief operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
INSIDE THE BELLY OF USS IWO JIMAOnce inside the ship, the display of war armaments immediately grabbed our attention. Kids and adults alike were all wide-eyed viewing, touching, and getting inside armored vehicles and holding various firearms that thankfully are not armed. At the flight deck, we were awed as well with the display of an assortment of helicopters and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft. Pilots, Marines and sailormen at their designated stations were all happy to answer questions and oblige for a photo shoot. For the American public, Fleet Week provided the perfect opportunity to know more about the maritime services rendered in times of war and peace. For the service members, it's R & R time again!
THE FLIGHT DECK
AV-8B HARRIER II ON THE FLIGHT DECK
USS ROOSEVELT DOCKED ALONGSIDE USS IWO JIMA
A SAILOR ONBOARD USS IWO JIMA
Haaaayy!!!! Some people can get sooooooooooooo laki (ay lucky diay)!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear NY fleet week, all that comes to mind is Sex and the city and how the gals scope for the men in uni.
ReplyDeleteHoped you had a good Memorial Day.
How cool is that! Love the sailors!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comment. Sorry for the glitch - again. I appreciate your patience. Come back tomorrow for more of Fairhaven!
joy
A Pinay In EnglandYour Love CoachI, Woman
wow! i wish i was there. i once had the chance to ride one of the philippine navy boats when i was still in high school but i really wish to see those american navy ships in the future.
ReplyDeleteim addicted to helicopters!
Fleet Week, hurray!
ReplyDeleteHi Nats,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your impending Canadian immigration!
Hi Photo Cache,
That is so true, a lot of women actually look forward to meeting uniformed men from the Navy & Marines!
Hi Joy,
Thanks also for visiting my site.
Hi Dong,
I didn't know we're after the same stuff - I'm also addicted to anything that flies!
Hi Jen,
And hurray to them for keeping us safe!
Were you allowed to visit many of the US Navy ships docked there during Fleet Week?
ReplyDeletewow...men in uniform hehehe *blushes*
ReplyDeleteThe ship needs a little bit of maintenance though. It looks rusty.
Hi bertN,
ReplyDeleteAlthough all ships (including Canadian Navy) were open to the public, we only went to USS Iwo Jima.
Hi Laagan,
Ships are always prone to rust due to the salty air but you're right, they've got to keep it maintained.
So that's what "fleet week" is! I always here the term being thrown around, but now I know... and knowing is half the battle!
ReplyDeleteThat explains why when I was in New York a while ago there was an unusually large number of sailors walking around.... or are there always a bunch of sailors walking around? Anyways, great shots!
wow! inside USS Iwo Jima!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool event! That's so cool you got to take picture with the gun.
ReplyDelete