Iwo Jima Departs NYC after Successful Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Manhattan June 2 after enjoying the 26th annual Fleet Week New York.

Fleet Week New York 2010 gave an opportunity for residents and visitors of the tri-state area to see and experience what members of the maritime services do on a daily basis. Fleet Week also allowed Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen the chance to interact with local communities.

"We went through Times Square and people took pictures with us for 45 minutes straight," said Cpl. Patrick Jenkins of Waldorf, Md., of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion who experienced Fleet Week for the first time. "We were treated like celebrities."

Fleet Week New York began with a parade of ships upon entering the Hudson River May 26. Throughout the week service members attended events sponsored by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), and the city of New York.

"I had never been to a Yankees game and MWR gave me an opportunity I wouldn't have had otherwise," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Tim Baker, of Augusta, Ga.

Memorial Day parades, and various intramural sporting events were held throughout the city. Service members were also reenlisted by Commander, U.S Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Rear Adm. Mark Boensel at the World Trade Center Ground Zero.

"It's very unique place to reenlist because not many people get to see the site," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) LaShaunda Guy, Cleveland. "I felt proud because I was contributing to the fight for freedom."

A Sunset Parade was also held on board Iwo Jima, featuring a speech by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. along with performances by the United States Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, the United States Marine Forces Reserve Band, and Leatherneck Pipes and Drums. Service members also had the opportunity to explore the city on their own.

Cryptologic Technician (collection) 1st Class Evan Chauvette, of Manchester, N.H., spent his time playing the tourist during Fleet Week. Chauvette toured Central Park, watched Broadway plays, and ate local cuisine, but his favorite part of Fleet Week was how he was treated by New Yorkers.

"When people came up to me on the street and thanked me for what I do, it made me feel like what I do is worthwhile, and it made me proud to be a service member," said Chauvette.

Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Johnson, of Charlotte, N.C., explored the sights, and was most impressed by the rebuilding at the World Trade Center site. "As a country you can hit us, but we'll stand up taller and stronger, said Johnson.