In recognition of our men and women in uniform, the Intrepid Museum celebrates Fleet Week from May 23 - 26, 2025, proudly supported by USAA and buildsubmarines! Fleet Week activities will kick off Friday, May 23, with our annual free movie night on the flight deck, featuring Top Gun.

Throughout the weekend, enjoy musical performances and explore a variety of displays, activities and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research and many more!  The weekend will conclude on Monday, May 26, with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Schedule of Events:

10:00am – 6:00pm: Activities & Displays: Pier 86

Participants include:

U.S. Coast Guard: Meet members of the world’s premier maritime service, responsible for search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental response, and more. Interact with Coast Guard divers and see them in action in the interactive dive tank. Explore the Mobile Communication Vehicle, one of only three in the Coast Guard, equipped with satellite network connectivity and tactical radio communications, deployable anywhere in the world.

U.S. Marine Corps: The Marines are here! Try on their gear, get camouflaged at the cami paint station, see tactical equipment up close, and learn what it takes to stand among the Few.

U.S. Air Force: Soar through the sky with virtual reality flight simulators, test your physical strength on the WunderWall, and learn what it takes to become an Airman or Guardian. Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win!

U.S. Army: Join the U.S. Army Experience for interactive fun!  Test your skills in pull-up and push-up contests, Take-A-Selfie with a Soldier in the photo booth and capture your “This We’ll Defend” warrior spirit story.  Register to win Army Birthday 250 swag!   Try on tactical protective gear, operate EOD robots, and explore the gaming trailer. Be All You Can Be and celebrate with the U.S. Army NYC Recruiting Battalion.   #ArmyNYC #Army250

Naval STEM: The U.S. Naval Academy and Naval STEM Coordination Office will present a SeaPerch underwater vehicle demo. Visitors can compete in challenges using remote-controlled undersea vehicles.

BUILDSUBMARINES.COM: Explore the future of Submarine Manufacturing at the BuildSubmarines.com booth. Visitors can dive into the U.S. Navy’s journey to transform its nuclear-powered submarine fleet and discover how they can be part of this historic mission. At the BuildSubmarines.com booth, they’ll find resources on high-impact manufacturing careers available nationwide. Thanks to our partners at the American Welding Society, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and HII with their Newport News Shipbuilding division, guests can also test their skills on a virtual welder, score exclusive prizes and giveaway items, and learn more about the hands-on work powering our nation’s undersea edge.

Department of Corrections & Community Supervision: Try on emergency response gear, spin the prize wheel, meet the Technical Support team, learn about the K9 unit, and interact with robotics and drone tech.

Military Transport Association: Visitors will see restored and antique military vehicles.

Intrepid Museum Activities: Enjoy workshops and hands-on activities from the Intrepid Museum all day long.

That Planetarium Guy: Join That Planetarium Guy on a journey through the science and stories that can be found in the night sky. Each show is approximately 15 minutes long.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: As the volunteer arm of the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary promotes boating safety and education to help ensure safe and fun experiences on the water.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Service to the Armed Forces continues to provide essential services to the entire military community, supporting active-duty installations, veteran hospitals, state homes for veterans, and various community-based veteran organizations, among others. Visitors can write a note of thanks to a military member and learn hands-only CPR.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps: This nonprofit youth program sponsored by the Navy and Coast Guard serves ages 10–17. Visitors can compete in challenges and games, see tactical gear demonstrations, and win prizes.

Aero Flight School: Step into the world of aviation with us at Aero Flight School. Meet instructors and students, explore flight simulators and models, and learn what it takes to sit in the pilot’s seat. Play aviation-themed games to win prizes!

SailGP: The Rolex SailGP Championship is the ultimate race on water, with 12 national teams competing on cutting-edge F50 catamarans that fly at speeds over 60mph. Test SailGP’s F50 simulator at Fleet Week — then catch the action live when the race hits New York City, June 7–8. Score an exclusive Fleet Week ticket offer onsite!

USO: Join the USO in honoring our brave service members by writing a heartfelt message of gratitude. The USO provides a unique opportunity for you to connect with and support the people serving in our nation's military in a meaningful way. Stop by our tent and help spread appreciation to those who serve.

Billion Oyster Project:  Get a firsthand look at these locally restored oysters and chat with experts from Billion Oyster Project about how these vital creatures support the restoration and health of New York Harbor.

National Coast Guard Museum:  supports Coast Guard missions by inspiring and engaging with the public to celebrate the service’s members and their accomplishments of the past, present and future. Visitors will also have the opportunity for a hands-on experience with an array of Coast Guard educational artifacts.

Naval Submarine League: Visitors will engage in submarine-related hands-on activities using concepts of buoyancy, density, force and motion, and propulsion.

NYC Ghostbusters: Learn to make your own cross-link polymer gel, our scientific recipe for ectoplasmic slime with the NYC Ghostbusters team.

Warrior Bonfire Program: provides opportunities that improve the lives of combat wounded Purple Heart recipients on their life-long journeys of recovery and healing through create activity based therapeutic adventure retreats.  Visitors will participate in one of these activities that connect to the history of the American flag, the official Flag Code of 1923 which states that “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing,” and the ways to respectfully retire her when she is no longer serviceable for use.

U.S. Naval Submarine Forces: Visitors will be able to see and learn about the Submarine Forces newest technologies such as UUVs (Undersea Unmanned Vehicles), and the Virginia Class Submarine (submarine model) and a virtual tour of the submarine from submarine qualified Sailors.

Disney on Broadway: Experience the magic of Disney on Broadway! This booth will feature coloring activities from THE LION KING and ALADDIN on Broadway throughout the day, with special costume design workshops throughout the day led by Disney teaching artists, unpacking the craft and skill that goes into the Award-winning design of THE LION KING on Broadway. Visit for fun giveaways and to learn more about Disney on Broadway.

Intrepid Former Crew Members Meet a former Intrepid crew member and learn about their time in service.

Operation Mincemeat on Broadway: Stop by to learn more about Operation Mincemeat on Broadway—and enter for a chance to win tickets to the show!

Naval Submarine Support Facility (NSSF) Divers: Learn about these elite underwater specialists, handling rescue and repair operations.
 
10:00am-5:30pm:  Intrepid Museum Activities Workshops (Pier 86)

Enjoy workshops and hands-on activities from the Intrepid Museum all day long. Activities include:

Create a Corsair: Create a Corsair paper airplane with inverted gull wings like the one on display at the Intrepid Museum.
Morse Code Bracelets: Create a bracelet that says your name or initials in Morse Code.
Artifact Investigation Table: Discover artifacts from the Education Touch Collection.

11:00am-3:00pm: Athletic Military Challenges and Competitions Presented by USAA
Get ready for high-energy action as teams from the military branches, FDNY, NYPD, and more face off in a series of spirited competitions—including tug of war, cornhole, and other exciting challenges. From feats of strength to tactical showdowns, each matchup fuels fierce pride and brings friendly rivalry to the pier. Cheer on your favorites and see who comes out on top in the battle for ultimate bragging rights!

Included in the competitions:

Tug of War: Starting at 11:00am, visitors will watch as different military branches, FDNY, NYPD and more face-off in a friendly game of tug of war!  Cornhole competitions to follow.

Cornhole Tournament with Ward Boards and NY Cornhole
The Intrepid Museum is proud to host a special Fleet Week tournament in partnership with Ward Boards and NY Cornhole, known for bringing unforgettable cornhole events to the Northeast since 2010. Watch as members from each branch of the military compete in a spirited double-elimination tournament for bragging rights. Cornhole boards will also be available for visitors to enjoy casual pick-up games throughout the day. Whether you're here to cheer on the competitors or join a game yourself, don’t miss this exciting celebration of service and friendly competition.

11:00am-3:00pm: Aircraft Talks: Visitors can go inside the Intrepid Museum’s Aircraft Restoration Hangar on the flight deck to learn about the process of restoring and preserving the aircraft on display at the Museum (approx. 20 minutes, on the hour). Location: Flight Deck

11:00am-4:00pm: Meet the Author (Hangar 2)  Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18: Flying High with Harris’ Hellcats- Learn more about the men behind Intrepid’s highest-scoring fighter squadron of World War II from author and historian, the Intrepid Museum’s own Mike Fink.

12:00pm - 5:30pm: Intrepid Stage Performances (Pier 86) Enjoy live music from a variety of performers throughout the day, including:

12:00pm: Broadway Showcase: featuring CHICAGO the Musical, Disney’s Aladdin, Real Women Have Curves and Titanique.

Performance from Operation Mincemeat: See the Broadway cast of Operation Mincemeat perform "Born to Lead" and "Sail on, Boys".

Performance from CHICAGO the Musical: A true New York City institution – CHICAGO is the Longest Running American Musical and now the longest running show on Broadway and it still thrills audiences nightly at the Ambassador Theatre on 49th Street.

Performance from Titaníque: A musical celebration that turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical and joyful slay-fest.

Performance from Disney’s Aladdin: Disney’s ALADDIN opened on Broadway to critical acclaim in March 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest blockbusters in recent years. Featuring beloved songs by Oscar winner Alan Menken, stunning sets and costumes and eye-popping special effects, ALADDIN’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  

Performance from Real Women Have Curves:  a funny, joyous, and empowering new musical that celebrates our shared humanity with humor and heart. Hailed by Time Out New York as “the most relevant musical of the year” and by the Washington Post as “a laugh-out-loud musical comedy with a massive dose of heart,” it is now playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.

1:00pm & 2:30pm: Performances from The Satin Dollz – a 1940s Big Band Swing USO Act

1:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm: Performances from Operation Encore: A Veteran Music Project Operation Encore is an organization that provides opportunities for veteran, active duty and military spouse singer-songwriters and musicians to take their music to the next level through artist development, professional recording, and industry-focused educational services.

Featuring:

Brandon Mills (Marine Corps) – A Recon Marine turned singer-songwriter and motivational speaker, known for conscious lyrics and appearances on The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart. Brandon Mills EPK

Barbara Sim (Marine Corps) – Former Landing Support Specialist and Iraq veteran whose music explores themes of resilience, vulnerability, and strength. Barbara Sim EPK

Jerry Maniscalco (Navy) – Naval aviator and accomplished musician, now performing in Charleston, SC, after a decade of service and three deployments. Jerry Maniscalco EPK

3:00pm: Performance from The 2nd Marine Division Rampage Brass Band: gets the party started with timeless American street music. Funky beats and brash brass turn up at street corners, stadium stages, and everywhere in-between.

12:45pm & 2:45pm: Corsair Talks: Join a Visitor Experience Specialist for an educational talk about our legendary FG-1D Corsair in Hangar 1. Find out how its unique design helped it tackle tough missions during pivotal moments in WWII and learn how this plane adapted to new combat needs and made its mark on history

12:45pm & 2:45pm: Tales and Talks: Join our knowledgeable Visitor Experience Specialists for tales and talks! From stories about the Intrepid’s crew, to tales about other planets, and everywhere in between, these talks will expand your experience at the Intrepid Museum! Location: Hangar 2, Puppet Theater

1:00pm and 2:30pm: U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team (Flight Deck): 12 elite, hand-selected Honor Guard Seamen who have excelled in close order drill with fixed bayonets.
 
1:00pm: Author Talk with Montel Williams (Lutnick Theater, Hangar 1)
Join us for a special talk during Fleet Week with Montel Williams about his new book The Sailing of the Intrepid: The Incredible Wartime Voyage of the Navy’s Iconic Aircraft Carrier. Montel will be in conversation with co-author David Fisher for a discussion of how the Intrepid’s World War II crew defied all odds and redefined the meaning of what it means to struggle, persevere and survive. A meet & greet/autograph signing to follow. Books will be available onsite to purchase, or purchase in advance at click here.

This talk is free with Museum admission. Live captioning is available.

About the Author: Montel Williams served as a Marine and as a highly decorated naval officer for nearly 22 years and remains actively involved in various military causes. He is a member of the Fisher House Foundation Board of Trustees. Montel Williams is best known as the host of the Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, The Montel Williams Show. He currently hosts Military Makeover with Montel and Military Makeover Operation Career on Lifetime.

About the book: From twenty-two-year naval and marine veteran Montel Williams comes a page-turning history of how one World War II aircraft carrier’s crew defied all odds, redefining the very meaning of what it means to struggle, persevere and survive.