1. Ship Visitation
Pier 92; Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; 51st St. at 12th Ave.
The Sullivans Pier; Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; 455 Front St., at Water St., Staten Island
Beginning on Thursday, the general public can take free daily tours of the military’s splendid vehicles of the sea, at Pier 92 in Manhattan and the Sullivans Pier in Staten Island. See ships like the USS Cole from Norfolk, Virginia,and the USS Gettysburg from Mayport, Florida. Just don’t try to take them for a joy ride. (Or do. It might be amusing.)
2. Military Band Concerts
Herald Square; 5/23 from 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Celebrate the troops the best way, with free Friday tunes featuring the Northeast Navy Showband and the U.S. Fleet Forces “Brass Band.” Also on the docket is a performance by the Coast Guard Drill Team.
3. Coast Guard Demonstrations
Coney Island, 5/23, noon-12:30, 51st St. at 12th Ave.
The Sullivans Pier, 5/24, Noon-12:30 p.m.; 455 Front St., at Water St., Staten Island
5/25: Pier 92 Noon-12:30 p.m.
Ever wonder how the Coast Guard executes their Search and Rescue? Wonder no more—there are several opportunities to check it out in person. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to swim, this might be the safest place to try. But don’t tell them we suggested that.
4. Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Demonstration
Rye Playland; 5/25 from 2–4 p.m., Rye, New York
Up at Rye Playland, the U.S. Marine Corps will be conducting helicopter raid demonstrations at the waterfront. Hold on to your hats!
5. Events at the Intrepid
The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum; Twelfth Ave. at 46th St., Pier 86; 212-245-0072
The Intrepid and Pier 86 is your one-stop shop for entertainment this week, hosting activities, USO troupe performances, and, on Friday night, a free screening of Top Gun on their flight deck. On Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. is the Memorial Day ceremony on Pier 86, including the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, the laying of ceremonial wreaths, a three-volley rifle salute and the playing of Echo Taps. Check the official Intrepid schedule for details.
6. U.S. Navy Aerial Demonstration
Randall Park; 5/25, noon–2 p.m. Freeport, Long Island
You’ll have to go to Long Island for this one, but you’ll be rewarded with members of the U.S. Navy EOD team and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Five presenting a mine countermeasures demonstration. Sounds super cool! And after, you get to check out the helicopters, as they’ll be on display.
For a full list of events check www.fleetweeknewyork.com.