Celebrating Maritime Service: Fleet Week New York 2024

New York City played host to a significant event on May 23. Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, visited the city to connect with future Sailors, their families, and active service members during Fleet Week New York. Celebrating its 36th year, this event allows New Yorkers and Tri-State Area residents to observe modern maritime forces’ capabilities while enabling service members to explore the city and share their experiences with the public.

Fleet Week: A Celebration of Maritime Heritage

Fleet Week New York is a cherished tradition that showcases the strengths of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It provides a platform for the citizens of New York City and its surrounding areas to see maritime capabilities up close and for service members to engage with the community.

Adm. Franchetti’s Media Engagement at Rockefeller Center

Adm. Franchetti began her visit with a media briefing at Rockefeller Center, emphasizing the Navy’s crucial role and the significance of service. She interacted with the Navy Band and attendees at the Today Show Plaza, underscoring the Navy’s global presence. “Leading our exceptional team of approximately 600,000 active and reserve Sailors and civilians is an honor,” she stated. “We maintain peace, respond to crises, and are prepared to win decisively in war.”

Engaging with Future Sailors and Their Families

Following her media engagements, Adm. Franchetti visited the USS Bataan, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Here, she met with future Sailors in the delayed entry program, NROTC scholarship recipients, prospective Naval Academy Midshipmen, and their families. She expressed her gratitude for the families’ support and addressed questions about Navy life, emphasizing her priorities of Warfighting, Warfighters, and the foundational support system for them. “The opportunities in the Navy are boundless,” she told future Sailors, thanking them for their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.

Receiving the Intrepid Freedom Award

During her stay, Adm. Franchetti was honored with the Intrepid Freedom Award at the Intrepid Museum’s Salute to Freedom gala aboard the decommissioned USS Intrepid. She dedicated the award to the hard work and achievements of the Sailors she has led throughout her 38-year career. “This award reflects the dedication and success of our Navy-Marine Corps team, who deliver power for peace and stand ready to defend our nation,” she said.

A Historic Visit

This visit marked Adm. Franchetti’s first trip to New York since her confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations. Her presence at Fleet Week New York reinforced the Navy’s commitment to service, community engagement, and national defense.

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