Hard Rock Cafe Welcomes Fleet Week to NYC

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard M. Wolff, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a Fleet Week New York City 2011 kick-off party at the Hard Rock Cafe May 25 with free food and a concert by the Orange County Choppers Band for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.

The Hard Rock kick-off happens every year and was an exciting experience for many service members, especially those who have never been to New York City. Operations Specialist Third Class (SW) Eren Heim, a Georgia native, was very excited when she heard that members from OCC were part of the kick-off party. "I've been watching their show for years. I think it is amazing, especially to see them here supporting our military."

For Heim, this is her first visit to New York City and one she will never forget. "I didn't expect so many people to support the military like this, everyone wants to take our picture, it's like we're celebrities too."

Orange County Choppers have a hit TV show that focuses on making stunning, unique motorcycles in the "chopper" style. They use their fame to support a number of good causes and are huge advocates for our American fighting men and women. "We support the military all the time, any way we can," said Mike Ammiradi of OCC. "What you guys do for us is the greatest thing in the world."

"I like what OCC does with charities, donating bikes and helping children," said Cryptologic Technician-Technical Second Class Larry Jamison, a Sailor off of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). This was also Jamison's first time to New York City, "It's pretty cool, I like it. So far everybody's been really friendly and it's been a good experience. It's a lot bigger than I anticipated."

For many aboard USS Iwo Jima, this is their second year in a row participating in Fleet Week New York.

Cryptologic Technician-Collection Second Class (SW) Zachariah Adkins plans to see some of the sites he didn't have time to see last year. "I plan to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Natural History and the Bronx Zoo, and it's great that these places are free for the Sailors to visit."

Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services nearly every year since 1984. It is an unparalleled opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

In addition to public visitation of participating ships, there will be a number of exhibits showing off the technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members.