The USS Kearsarge, an amphibious ship that carries Marines and Sailors, sails through the Galveston Bay on April 15, 2026.
An American flag waves in the wind at the parade of ships event in Galveston on April 15, 2026. (Photo Credit: Julianna Washburn/Houston Public Media)
A crowd of onlookers waits for naval ships to break through the horizon at the parade of ships event in Galveston on April 15, 2026. (Photo Credit: Julianna Washburn/Houston Public Media)
Sailors and Marines stand aboard the USS Kearsarge on April 15, 2026. More than 1,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are set to travel to Houston for the inaugural Fleet Week. (Photo Credit: Julianna Washburn/Houston Public Media)
Men dressed as colonial soldiers take photos with attendees on April 15, 2026.
As the sun rose on Wednesday morning, veterans, families and people from around the country set up their lawn chairs near the Galveston Ship Channel, waved American flags and waited to see naval ships break through the foggy horizon.
By the time the sun rose, large vessels sailed past the cheering crowd as they made their way to Houston. The parade of ships through Galveston Bay marked the beginning of Houston’s first-ever Fleet Week.
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The inaugural Fleet Week celebration is set to bring multiple Navy and Coast Guard vessels as well as more than 1,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members to Houston. During the week, there will be 20 events honoring the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Commander Cheryl Collins, who serves in the Navy Reserve, said Fleet Week is a chance for residents to meet service members face-to-face.
“We’re coming to places that don’t have a big naval presence,” Collins said. “We’re educating people on what their sea services are because they pay for them as taxpayers. This is why we have certain cities around the United States that don’t have a big naval presence so that they can learn about us.”
Fleet Week Houston is also occurring during America 250, the official nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Randy Thomas, a member of Galveston’s Marine Corps League, watched the parade of ships go by. His dad and uncles served in the Navy.
“Navy is a little bit in my blood, but I love to see all the ships and everything. It’s just exciting for me,” Thomas said.
Fleet Week runs from April 15-22.