Fleet Week returns to New York.
Members of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps descend into New York City each year for a week of awareness and entertainment leading up to Memorial Day.
A Fleet Week tradition – the U.S. Navy submersible tank – returns to the center of New York’s Times Square.
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Navy divers demonstrated their service by strapping on diving gear, swimming in clear tanks, waving to visitors and playing games with onlookers.
Fox News Digital interviewed Navy Diver 1st Class Christopher Brewer, who was on top of the tank, and he noted that a diver’s job is to become an expert on “anything underwater.”
“We dive all over the world. We’re experts in salvage. We’re experts in anything underwater. If they need us to do it, we’ll do it,” he said.
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Brewer, who is from Arctic Alaska, said he “always wanted to serve” and do his part.
“I’ve always loved water,” he said. “I’ve been a lifeguard since I was a kid.”
The 10-year Navy diver demonstrated his crew’s capabilities during his first trip to New York; he described meeting the community as “amazing.”
U.S. Navy diver Christopher Brewer tries on a diving helmet in New York City at the start of Fleet Week on May 24, 2024. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
Brewer talked about “getting everybody walking around and interacting with us — people coming in and trying on the helmets.”
“Our divers are right in the middle of Times Square,” he said. “That’s probably one of the coolest places to dive… it doesn’t get any better than that.”
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Brewer said people from “all over the world” seem to be “very interested” in what it’s like to be a Navy diver.
“I just love talking to people, hearing their stories and telling them what I do,” he said.
“I’m very excited about this job and passionate about what I do [about] Serving my community and serving the people here. They are all worth it.
Brewer said he hoped some personal military interactions would bring a “sense of belonging” to civilians amid rising global tensions.
“We’re ordinary people,” he said. “We are going through the same troubling times as they are.”
Divemaster and Senior Captain Ryan Ilagan, who has 21 years of salvage diving experience, also shared his excitement for the second Fleet Week.
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“We have Navy divers [and] EOD [explosive ordnance disposal] Technicians interact with the crowd and demonstrate our capabilities and let the people of New York know who we are,” Ilagan, who lives in California, told Fox News Digital.
Ilagan said the tank demonstration conveyed “appreciation” to military personnel and civilians.
The annual ship review welcomes large ships such as the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from Norfolk, Virginia.
“It’s a great way to show a little fun with a little work,” he said. “It’s good for civilians and good for us.”
The diving master reports that many potential recruits have viewed the display and expressed interest in joining the U.S. military.
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Brewer also thanked his parents, wife and daughter for their support during his time in the military.
Fleet Week kicked off with the annual ship review on May 22, welcoming the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from Norfolk, Virginia, and the FGS Baden-Württemberg from Germany and large ships such as the FGS Frankfurt.
A Memorial Day message is displayed in Times Square on May 24, 2024. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
The week continues with the World Trade Center Free Run, Recommitment Ceremony and other events.
In addition to a series of exciting experiences, Brewer and Ilagan agree that one of their favorite parts is enjoying New York City’s delicious food, including bagels and pizza.
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“We went to Qiao’s house [Pizza] Last night,” Brewer said, “the pizza was great. Dave Portnoy, if you’re listening, I give them a 7.8.
Ilagan added, “New Yorkers are great. The food, culture and diversity are great.”
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