A four ship Hornet flyover by VFA-143 and VFA-211 from NAS Oceana flew down the Hudson River Wednesday May 21st kicking off the start of the 2008 New York City Fleet Week.  For the past 24 years New York City has hosted Fleet Week to honor the service men and women defending our country.  It’s conjunction with Memorial Day is especially significant as it honors veterans and military personal of all generations and to those who gave their lives serving our country.  Thousands of Navy, Marine and Coastguard personnel were on hand during this special week throughout the city giving talks, coordinating interactive community activities and events as well as providing various demonstrations of what they do everyday.  In Manhattan there were ships to see and tour, concerts to hear and a special two mile World Trade Center run.

  Somewhat overshadowed by the Jones Beach Airshow, the men and women of the United States Marine Corps make a special effort during this week each year in bringing the airshow out to the community.  The Marine air to ground demos was performed throughout all of the five boroughs in addition to several on Long Island.  This years MAGTF or Marine Air Ground Task Force aerial demonstrations consisted of two CH-46 Seaknights from HMM-774 “The Flying Geese”, one AH-1W Cobra gunship, one UH-1 gunship and a Vietnam era UH-34.   

  First on the scene and starting the Marine raid demo were the gunships, providing air to ground cover.  Once the “skids” had cleared the enemy from the drop zone, the CH-46’s were cleared in to unload the ground troops.  After the drop, the CH-46’s quickly departed the area. With the troops now on the ground and the Seaknights out of the area, the Huey and Cobra gunships swarmed in again to provide simulated air to ground support for the grunts on the ground.  Once the area was secured by ground troops, the CH-46’s were then cleared back in to land along with the gunships and the UH-34.  After landing and shutting down all five aircraft were available for static display and all Marines were on hand to speak with spectators. 

  With the Marines performing a total of six MAGTF demos throughout the week, thousands showed up to catch a unique and close look at something most New Yorkers have never seen, especially in their community.  “I can’t believe they landed in the park” stated seventeen year old Chris from the Bronx.  “It was crazy to see them flying over us but I couldn’t believe it when they landed to drop off the soldiers with guns”. 

  It was quite the experience seeing real Military helicopters in the park” stated a female police officer assigned to the 111th Precinct in Bayside Queens.  “It’s something I’ve never seen in Cunningham Park before and it’s really amazing how they can bring this here to us in this environment”.