Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today welcomed the 15th annual Fleet Week to New York by hosting a welcoming ceremony at the Surrogate Court Building. One of the largest celebrations of the year, Fleet Week will be hosted by the City of New York in partnership with the Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum and the United States Navy. Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs, Carol Robles-Roman Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Office of Veterans Affairs Director, Michael J. Handy, welcomed Admiral Robert J. Natter, Commander in Chief of the United States Atlantic Fleet, other high ranking Navy officials and several hundred active military personnel and veterans.

"I am pleased to welcome the men and women who protect our Nation and City, as well as the veterans present today to pay tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and our country," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This Fleet Week celebration is especially significant as we think of those servicemen and women currently overseas risking their lives defending our liberties. As we enjoy Fleet Week, those individuals are in our thoughts and prayers. New York is proud to host Fleet Week and display the resilience of this great City in their honor."

New York expects to host more than 200,000 visitors from across the world to celebrate our nation's maritime heritage. 21 ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard and other international navies are represented. Fleet Week also provides the military an opportunity to thank the public for its support.

"Fleet Week is New York City's grand 'thank you' to the Navy, and all of our armed forces who stand between us and harms way," said Director Handy. "In the 15 years that we have welcomed the armed forces here, more than 100,000 sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen, and coast guard men and women have enjoyed the great hospitality that New York City offers its visitors. Now, more than ever, we appreciate their service and sacrifice. I thank our partners, the US Navy, the Intrepid Museum, the NY Navy League, the American Legion and Staten Island Fleet Week for their hard work and dedication."

The Fleet Week celebration will include more than 200 events, such as the Parade of Ships, live performances of military skills such as martial arts and parachute-jumping, and free public tours aboard Navy ships.