The USS Bataan, an icon of American naval prowess, graced New York City’s harbor during Fleet Week 2024, a spectacle of maritime tradition coinciding with Memorial Day commemorations.

For the military tech and politics enthusiasts, this was more than just a parade of ships—it was a statement of the nation’s enduring strength and a glimpse into the future of amphibious warfare.

In its 36th year, Fleet Week pays tribute to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, featuring the involvement of nearly 2,300 military personnel and a series of events scheduled up to Memorial Day.

The procession showcased two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats, all visible along the Hudson River route stretching from Battery Park to just below the George Washington Bridge.

This open-to-all event took place from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Named after the renowned World War Two battle in the Philippines, the Wasp-Class USS Bataan was commissioned in 1997.

Following its initial training on the US East Coast, the ship made its way to New York City after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, at the World Trade Center.

This visit aimed to assess the potential utilization of the ship’s medical facilities in response to the crisis.

It is essential to highlight the crucial role that ships fulfill in the testing and evaluation of new aircraft models. In 2005, the Bataan played a pivotal role as a naval test platform for the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, conducting operational and live fire tests.

Subsequently, in 2009, the Bataan made history by hosting the maiden operational deployment of the Osprey, housing ten MV-22s from VMM-263 at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

In the ship’s recent engagement, more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines returned from a deployment that saw the Bataan assert its presence across strategic waters.

Aboard the USS Bataan, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handler, Zykeria Jones, and Air Traffic Controller, Damion Young, spoke with a sense of pride and relief upon returning stateside.

They revealed plans for the vessel’s future, detailing a significant overhaul to make way for the F-35B Lightning II jets as the venerable AV-8B Harriers retire.

“We are basically going to take the entire deck up, all of the non-skid, all of the pad eyes, and we are going to redo everything,”

They described the impending two-year renovation that will prepare the Bataan for a new era of naval aviation.

Relevant articles:
– We Went Aboard USS Bataan During Fleet Week 2024 in NYC, The Aviationist
– History, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet
– NYC Fleet Week 2024: Your guide to events, FOX 5 New York