Photo By Chief Petty Officer Brian Mcneal | 160529-N-SX684-112 LIBERTY STATE PARK, N.J. (May 29, 2016) Sgt. Aaron Carr...... read more read more
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian McNeal, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs
JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- The sea service’s vast capabilities were on display in the skies, on the ground, and in the waters surrounding Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. as the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams provided demonstrations as a part of 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 29.
Many spectators, who incorporated the trip to Liberty State Park into their personal Memorial Day recognition routines, received a chance to interact with many specialized military units including Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EDO) personnel; the Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, Marine Corps canines, and Coast Guard Search and Rescue.
“Today’s events were amazing. It’s so heartwarming as an American to see this,” said Laura McAdam, of Clifton, N.J. “Memorial Day to me is more than picnics. It’s about the sacrifices our military has made and I really appreciate them.”
The Leap Frogs began the event with a dramatic parachute entrance, followed by the arrival of two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 with deployed EOD Mobile Unit 12 Sailors via fast-rope insertion.
Once on the ground, the EOD team displayed some of the unit’s specialized equipment including a 6,800-gallon mobile dive tank containing a window that allows the divers to interact with spectators.
“The helicopters were my favorite,” said 11-year-old Alex Schuck. “We got to go inside them and sit in the seats and see what is actually in a helicopter. We also got to take pictures with the pilots and crew.”
Holly Pitti made it a point to get a front row seat for her favorite military unit -- The Coast Guard Silent Drill Team. “They are my favorite. I love the pageantry, the pomp and circumstance and the precision. I was a color guard rifle bearer so this is certainly up my alley.”
From pilots and aircrew clad in flight-suits, to Marines in camouflage face paint to the Coast Guard drill team in full ceremonial dress, residents of Metropolitan New York got a chance to see and meet the men and women who comprise the nation’s military.
“I travel the country frequently and people always ask me what keeps me awake at night,” said Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Adm. Phil Davidson. “I always respond with ‘there is something that does not keep me awake at night and that is the extraordinary men and women who serve in the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.’”
FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity to for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao/ and Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc/. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2016 13:45 |
| Story ID: | 199461 |
| Location: | JERSEY CITY, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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