Houston is about to look a lot more like a naval action movie. The city’s first-ever Fleet Week is set for April 15 to 22, bringing active-duty Navy and Coast Guard ships to the Port of Houston and downtown for tours, demos, and a free public showcase that organizers say will involve more than 1,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.
On the marquee: the USS Cooperstown, USS Kearsarge, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul and the Coast Guard cutter Edgar Culbertson. Fleet Week events are scheduled across the region, including ship tours, at-sea demonstrations and a Fleet Week Expo at POST Houston, and most activities are free to attend.
Which ships are coming
The city has named four visiting vessels so far: the USS Cooperstown, USS Kearsarge, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul and USCGC Edgar Culbertson, according to the Houston Chronicle. Fleet Week organizers say the April 15 to 22 program will bring more than 1,000 service members to the Houston area for public events on the waterfront and downtown.
Where they’ll be docked and how to tour
Port Houston will host public ship tours at the Bayport Container Terminal and the Turning Basin Terminal. Visitors should not plan to drive directly onto the secure terminals and instead should use shuttles or other designated transportation, according to Port Houston.
The Port notes that vessel tours are free, but registration or sign-ups may be required, and that public parking at the terminals is limited. The facilities also have accessibility constraints, so would-be visitors are urged to check details carefully before they head out.
How to board: IDs and screening
Getting aboard one of the Navy ships will feel a lot more like airport security than a harbor stroll. According to the Fleet Week Houston ship tours FAQ, everyone 18 and older must present a government-issued photo ID before boarding an active-duty Navy vessel. Non-U.S. citizens must show a passport and will be fingerprinted and photographed as part of the security screening.
Forget about shortcuts: photocopies, screenshots or photos of IDs will not be accepted. The FAQ also notes that visitors who cannot walk unassisted or navigate narrow passageways and ladders may be turned away at the gangway for safety reasons.
What to expect on the dock
These ships are working warships, not cruise liners. Expect tight passageways, steep ladders and no public restrooms on board. Port Houston and the event FAQs warn that strollers, pets and large bags are not allowed, and they strongly recommend closed-toe shoes.
The Port also cautions that some vessels will not be ADA accessible and urges groups to build in extra time for security checks and shuttle lines. Local event listings highlighted by Yahoo include a Parade of Ships at Seawolf Park on April 15 and Fleet Week Expo days at POST Houston during the week.
Why the April dates?
This splashy debut was supposed to happen earlier. Officials initially planned an inaugural Fleet Week last November, but postponed the schedule after the federal government shutdown, according to a City of Houston press release. The new April 15 to 22 dates came after further coordination with Navy leadership.
Organizers say the extra time is intended to make sure security screening is thorough, port operations remain safe and a full slate of public programming can roll out across Port Houston and downtown venues.
