Anchors Away: Fleet Week in New York City

​I finally understand why Samantha Jones’ favorite New York City ‘holiday’ is Fleet Week.
OK. If you don’t get the reference, let me explain…

Samantha Jones is an iconic character on the equally iconic TV series Sex and the City, which quintessentially changed the game for single women. I could dive into an entire on essay on the positive impacts of that show, but for the purposes of keeping this a travel blog, I’ll get right to the point. There’s an episode that is centered around the New York’s annual Fleet Week.

This event happens every year around Memorial Day in the spring in which over 2,000 members of the U.S. Navy are in the city. Although they are here for special events, they are also here for a good time. Gorgeous, well-mannered, American men in uniform walking around Manhattan? It’s a dream come true. Did I mention they are well-mannered? Ah, chivalry…

After just recently experiencing Fleet Week myself for the first time, I totally get it.

My first Fleet Week spotting was while walking home from attending a taping of the Wendy Williams show. Thanks to Sex and the City, I knew exactly what seeing a U.S. sailor in Times Square meant.

At the Hudson River pier area on Manhattan’s west side was where the Navy was having ship tours and exhibitions, featuring, of course, members of the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.

While you do have to pay to take a tour of the massive ship called Intrepid, you can visit the pier and see other boats and military equipment on display for free. Just make sure to bring a government issued photo id with you either way.

While at the pier, we were greeted by incredibly nice servicemen and women who were happy to tell us all about their equipment, history, and take photos.

I had a tour of the Coast Guard ship named after Richard Snyder, a WWII hero, as well as a tour of a training boat used by students at Annapolis.
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I may have initially gone based on my fandom for Sex and the City and all things New York City, but I left with an even greater appreciation for the work our men and women in the armed services do. They sacrifice so much for our country and are always so kind. It was a treat to be able to hear from them and learn more about their work.

And yes, the outfits are also really hot.

What can I say? I met some officers who were gentlemen.