Sunset Parade Honors Sea Service

U.S. Navy Releases

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (NNS) -- Hundreds of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and New York citizens gathered aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) to honor the men and women who proudly serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, as part of Fleet Week New York City 2007 in Staten Island, N.Y., May 26.

The evening show, Sunset Parade, is held to honor "colors," the lowering of the nation's flag at sunset which is done every day throughout the sea services.

Held aboard the only ship named after a battle during the Vietnam War, the parade was part of Fleet Week 2007 festivities and honored the men and women in the armed forces for Memorial Day.

"Fleet week is the opportunity for the Navy to show citizens of New York City what their Navy does," said Vice Adm. Evan M. Chanik, Commander, U.S. Navy 2nd Fleet. "And, it's a great time to reflect on Memorial Day and to honor those who have served, are serving and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The presentation started an hour before sunset, but before the show began the sounds of the Northeast Jazz Band greeted the crowd as locals met and chatted with service members.

Members of Sons of the Revolution of New York paraded the colors to officially get the ceremony started with many senior officers in attendance, who shared some words with the crowd.

"Fleet week has just been tremendous and has introduced the Mid-Atlantic region to the Northeast," said Rear Adm. Frederic R. "Rick" Ruehe, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

"Our focus on New York City's Fleet Week is certainly an appropriate one and one of the highest valued items we want to maintain. Our efforts are to support the fleet and that's happening during this gathering here, I thank you all and I'm glad to be here," Ruehe said.

The show featured a performance from the Silver Dolphin Silent Drill Team on the flight deck and the presentation of the annual Splash Awards given to civilians and military personnel for services in the community.

Capt. Robert "Bob" R. O'Brien, Commander of Coast Guard Sector New York and Equipment Operator 1st Class Leon Fleetwood were the military recipients who received Splash awards.

"Do your job - don't be trying to push yourself and say I'm going to get this kind of award I'm going to get this kind of medal. If you do what you are told to do, follow instructions you will be praised for what you do," Fleetwood said.

As the show came to an end service members saluted the flag during evening colors and the crowd came to their feet, witnessing the careful and reverent handling of the flag.

Guests and service members alike were treated to a buffet dinner in the hanger bay to bring the night to a close.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.

Story Number: NNS070530-12 - Release Date: 5/30/2007 12:07:00 PM