Gulf cities to host maritime America 250 celebrations

The twin Gulf cities of Houston and New Orleans are hosting maritime events in April and May as part of America 250 celebrations. Houston is hosting the first Navy Fleet Week in Texas history Wednesday, April 15, through Wednesday, April 22. New Orleans is hosting the inaugural Sail 250 event in the country from May 27 through June 1. America 250 is the official nationwide celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. Houston Fleet Week is being hosted by the city of Houston in collaboration with the Port of Houston, Houston First Corporation and other groups. It's identified "eight can't miss events" taking place between Wednesday and Sunday. U.S. Navy Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command said, "At least 1,000 sailors and Marines will 'flood the zone' around your great city," when first making the announcement with Houston Mayor John Whitmire. "Fleet Week will build on the positive relationships between the military and the community and allow Houstonians and all other visitors to learn more about the U.S. Navy's proud history of courage and service to the country," Mayor Whitmire said, adding that "Houston and the Navy share a special maritime connection. Billions of dollars-worth of trade flow in and out of the Houston Ship Channel every day, and the Navy is responsible for protecting that seaborne trade as it travels across the oceans." Multiple events are planned, including a Parade of Ships in Galveston on Wednesday morning. Visitors can also attend wreath laying ceremonies, events downtown and aviation exhibits at the Lone Star Flight Museum. On Sunday, they can attend a naval exhibition at Sylvan Beach in La Porte and concerts and band performances in the Museum District. Visitors will also be able to tour one of three Navy ships, including an amphibious assault ship and two combat ships. They include USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship designed for multi-purpose operations, including troop transport and aircraft support; USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS-21), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship optimized for operations in near-shore environments with high speed and agility; and USS Cooperstown (LCS-23), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship. They will also be able to tour a U.S. Coast Guard cutter: USCGC Edgar Culbertson (WPC-1137), a Sentinel-class fast response cutter equipped for a range of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and port security. In neighboring Louisiana, Sail 250 New Orleans will transform the city's Mississippi River waterfront into a display of tall ships, U.S. naval vessels, and maritime heritage. A welcoming parade, fireworks and other events are planned. New Orleans & Company and the Port of New Orleans are hosting the celebration. Walt Leger, III, pesident and CEO of New Orleans & Company, said, "As one of the world's great cultural crossroads and home to the Port of New Orleans — a vital gateway connecting global commerce to the American heartland — our city has long stood at the intersection of nations, ideas, and maritime enterprise. There is no more fitting place to begin this momentous national commemoration. We proudly invite visitors from around the globe to experience our remarkable culture while celebrating America's enduring maritime legacy." An international fleet of ships will be docked along the riverfront representing the navies of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Peru, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Free deck tours will be available daily. Visitors will also be able to tour the only square-rigged vessel currently in government service: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot three mast barque used to teach navigation to future officers. "Sail 250 represents an extraordinary opportunity for the U.S. Navy, Marines Corps., and Coast Guard to connect with the American people, and our international partners, as we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary. The historical significance and advantageous positioning of New Orleans at the southern delta of the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast makes it the perfect launching point for this celebration," Rear Adm. Calvin M. Foster, Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, said. All naval America 250 events are free and open to the public. Registration is required to tour vessels and security measures are in place, authorities said.