The United Service Organizations (USO) hosted the "Rock The Fleet" 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY) kickoff party at the Hard Rock Cafe near Times Square, May 25.

The event featured celebrity guests such as Rashad Jennings, running back for the New York Giants; Gotham actor J. W. Cortes, a Marine veteran; performances by the USO Show Troupe; and Antonique Smith, Grammy nominated singer. Welcoming remarks were provided by Rear Adm. John C. Scorby Jr., Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

"Tonight is one of the welcome events for the 4,500 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen coming to New York, and is an opportunity to express our appreciation and gratitude for the men and women who serve and protect us here at home and overseas," said Brain Whiting, president and CEO of USO Metropolitan New York. "This is one of the iconic New York events and is something that everyone in New York gets excited about."

Service members were treated to assorted food and appetizers at the kickoff party and had the opportunity to meet celebrities and the volunteers who organized the event.

"I absolutely loved the event and enjoyed the experience meeting so many service members," said Gaby Cujba, part-time USO volunteer at the "Rock The Fleet" kickoff party. "It was great to see so many people come out and support the military."

The event was organized by the USO, which has provided help and support to service members and their families for 75 years.

"Having the chance to come to New York for Fleet Week has been amazing and it's been great to come back to the states and see that everyone appreciates us in New York City," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Earl Trammell, assigned to USS Farragut (DDG 99). "Tonight has been amazing, and compared to the last couple of Fleet Weeks that we've had, its been off the charts."

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity 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 FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao/ and Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc/. 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/.