Navy sails into New York Fleet Week

NEW YORK, May 20 (UPI) -- The traditional Parade of Ships opened the 21st Fleet Week celebration in New York Wednesday.

Five U.S. Navy ships were joined by a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and three Canadian vessels in the Parade of Ships, the U.S. Navy said in a news release.

Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services and also provides a chance for New Yorkers and visitors to meet sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and learn more about modern-day maritime services, the Navy said.

"This is a great opportunity for the sea services to show the great citizens of New York City their Navy, their Marine Corps and their Coast Guard, and allow them the opportunity to meet the great people who provide a wonderful service to our country," said Vice Adm. Evan M. Chanik, Jr., director of the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence for Second Fleet.

U.S. Navy ships are available for public visits Thursday through Wednesday.