Houston is officially making history, hosting Fleet Week for the very first time as Navy ships arrive across the region and thousands of sailors and Marines descend on the city.
At Bayport, the USS Kearsarge — the fleet’s flagship — docked just before midday. The amphibious assault ship offers a closer look at its wide range of capabilities, including a medical wing designed to handle mass casualty situations.
“It’s an amphibious assault ship, it carries U.S. Navy sailors and U.S. Marines, so a lot of combat capability,” said Rear Adm. John Hewitt, commander of Navy Region Southeast.
The USS St. Louis also arrived Tuesday, docking at Pier 8 in Houston, where the public will soon be able to step aboard. Free tours are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Fleet Week organizers say the event is designed to connect the military with the public and highlight the people behind the uniforms.
“We want to show the American taxpayer where your tax dollars are going,” Hewitt said. “There’s a lot of pride, and they want to engage with Houstonians.”
Service members also shared what the moment means to them. For Ensign Illyssa Bias, a Deer Park High School graduate serving aboard the flagship, the event was especially meaningful.
“Getting to be part of this on my first ship… being able to come home is super exciting,” Bias said. She added, “Shout out Deer Park, go Deer!”
Outside Houston City Hall, the Fleet Week flag was raised to mark the start of the multi-day event. The flag was first brought ashore at Allen’s Landing — the historic site where Houston was founded — before being carried through downtown by Marines.
Officials say more than 180 events are planned across Houston in the coming days, including ship tours open to the public.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.