Fleet Week 2004
26 May - 2 June 2004
New York City


Commissioned on the 24th of June 1964, USCGC RELIANCE (WMEC-615)
is the first of the 210' Cutter Fleet, known as the RELIANCE Class.
click on images to enlarge.

The Concord on display-this will open sometime in June.	Ken Sommers , VCP 13, Commodore Nicholas Kerigan, Gail Venezio, RCO-ACTNY-N, Don Reilly, VFC -5 , Charlie Sferra VCO, Dante Laurino DDO-MS and Rick Aimetti DSO-PS, all came out to celebrate Fleet week 2004 in Manhattan.	The Auxiliary standing watch aboard the USCGC Reliance (WMEC-615).
Popeye and Olive Oil were seen amongst the very crowded Fleet week 2004.	The COMO Nicholas Kerigan brings his bride Susan for some VIP tours.	The active duty and auxiliary worked hand in hand at Fleet week 2004.
Flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). Sad reminders that must keep us focused on our missions! .	Commander John Felker DIRAUX and the Charles Sferra, VCO enjoy the sunshine and events of Fleetweek.	Flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). More evidence of the countries power and determination!
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel 823258, Lady B on patrol for Fleet week 2004.	Fleet week parade of ships. A majestic site.	Parade of ships: The Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel 823258, Lady B proudly escorts the IWO Jima.

Fleet week 2004 has once again proved to be a success for the city of New York and all the people who came out to celebrate. We were very fortunate to have excellent weather for the event, which began on May 26 with a spectacular Parade of Ships. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was called upon to provide on-water patrols, during the parade, and answered the call with exemplary service. Once the ships were dockside, the Intrepid opened for tours of the Navy Ships and Coast Guard Cutter Reliance. We were open daily from 9am-5pm giving tours of the cutters, assisting the Navy with security and manning a Public Affairs Booth, which included daily visits from Coastie. On Memorial Day, there was a ceremony aboard the Intrepid. We were honored by the presence of dignitaries. veterans, and families of some of our more recent fallen heroes. The ceremony included a fly over of F-15 jets, flying the missing man formation, and closing with the unfurling of a flag and the somber sound of echo taps. This year we had not only the Manhattan event of Fleet week 2004, but we also had crews standing watch at the Stapleton Navy Pier on Staten Island. Those dedicated Auxiliarists, gave tours aboard the Katherine Walker. I am especially appreciative to those folks that stepped up to the plate to cover this duty. Reflecting back on Fleet week 2004, I have great respect for the proud heritage of our country, and dedication and service of our Veterans, and sacrifice of their families. I want to thank our dedicated volunteers who answered the call, sacrificed time with their families to give the Coast Guard Auxiliary their time, talent and efforts to make Fleet week 2004 a huge success! Thank you; you stood your watch well. Bravo Zulu! Gail M. Venezio, RCO-SECTOR-NY-N Images Ken Sommers VCP-13 Lady B images LT Chris Palmenberg

click on images to enlarge

Thomas Venezio IPRCO-ACTNY-N, has a new mission-giving the children coloring books.	Kay Larson sharing the safety boating message with youngsters.	Popeye and Olive Oil, and Coastie get together for some fun with the kids. Paul Ryan from Division 15 seen in the background at Coastie’s controls.
. The team from the USS Monterey won the Ships Tug of War contest.	Sal Arico stands watch at the Public Affairs Booth.	The NYPD Tug of War team in action.
The spectacular USCGC Reliance ready for tours dockside in Manhattan.	Barry Brooks and James Canavan stand ready for tours.	The bow of the USCGC Reliance-what a view!
Dockside at the Intrepid with the beautiful skyline of Manhattan.	The Coast Guard with K-9 help! Several K-9 demonstrations were given.	Remote control, underway, making way, on patrol.

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