Service members, veterans and distinguished guests gathered in Brooklyn to enjoy a BBQ Street Party hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 5195 in honor of Memorial Day as part of Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 28.

The event included service members from Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) medium endurance cutter Forward (WMEC 911).

"Being able to host this event is fantastic ... it's an honor and a privilege," said Michael Chirieleison, commander, VFW 5195 post. "We pride ourselves in supporting the military. This is our first time hosting for the military and we hope to be able to do it again."

The service members were treated to an afternoon of food, refreshments, sea stories and laughs.

"Being here at this event is a chance to experience the local culture and get some great food," said Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 3rd Class Rese Webster. "It's just amazing the love and support you get from all the people around here."

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity to for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, and "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc/ and Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwynpao/. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit http://www.navy.mil/.