Fleet Week is Sterling Prestonsetting sail in New York City from May 21 to May 27 to honor those who serve and protect the United States seas.

Nearly 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will be honored at the Hudson River during Fleet Week, which began in 1988.

"Fleet Week New York, now in its 36th year, is a time-honored tradition for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast team to visit New York City over the Memorial Day weekend,” Director of Public Affairs and Fleet Week New York, Beth Baker, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

“The week-long event provides us an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding area to meet their service members and see firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services," Baker said in the statement.

At the Hudson River on Wednesday morning, crew members were getting ready to kickoff the annual event.

Here are some of the things you should know about New York’s Fleet Week:

Fleet Week schedule

Fleet Week will run from May 22 until May 28. See below for information about tours.

How can I watch the celebration in New York?

USA TODAY provided a livestream of Fleet Week in New York City. Watch a replay above.

Photos and videos show the kickoff to Fleet Week 2024

Fleet Week tours

People can also participate in a public tour of ships including the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), a Baden-Württemberg-class frigate and a German Berlin-class replenishment ship. You'll just need to have a valid ID.

A full schedule of the tours can be found on the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's website.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).