F-18 Fighter Jets to Fly Over Hudson River for Fleet Week Display

Fleet Week is kicking off in New York City, and military pilots are gearing up for some flyovers along the Hudson River on Thursday. The first flyover will see eight F-18 jets soaring at a height of 1,500-2,500 feet at 10 a.m. Later in the day, three F-18 jets will take to the skies at 3 p.m., flying at 2,500 feet. The whole shebang is part of Fleet Week, happening from May 21-27, showcasing the armed forces in all their glory.

This year’s theme is all about “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence,” as the Navy and Marine Corps celebrate their 250th birthday. Among the stars of the show is the USS New York, a ship commissioned in 2009 that holds steel from the World Trade Center. The celebration will feature two U.S. Navy ships, two Coast Guard Cutters, and five U.S. Navy Academy Yard Patrol boats, adding to the maritime spectacle.

For those eager to get a closer look at the action, Fleet Week New York has lined up a schedule of tours and ship locations. Pier 88 South in Manhattan will host the USS New York for public tours on Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over at Pier 90 North, visitors can explore the Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun and the Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette. If you’re more of a history buff, head to the Intrepid Museum at Pier 86, where tours of five U.S. Naval Academy YPs will take place on Thursday and Friday, May 22-23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Intrepid Museum will be the place to be from May 23-26, with a lineup of Fleet Week activities that promise fun for all. Don’t miss the free movie night on the flight deck on Friday, May 23, featuring the classic Top Gun starring Tom Cruise as “Maverick.” Military competitions and challenges will test the skills of participants on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Expect a range of activities and performances throughout the weekend, keeping the spirit of Fleet Week alive and kicking. So, lace up your boots and get ready for an eventful week honoring the men and women in uniform.