Military and international ships have begun arriving in New York Harbor in preparation for the America 250 flotilla, a significant naval event coinciding with the nation's 250th birthday celebration. The USS Arlington, an amphibious transport dock ship, was among the first vessels to enter the harbor on Tuesday, met with a ceremonial water salute.

This year's Fleet Week, traditionally held around Memorial Day, has been rescheduled to July 4 to accommodate the large-scale naval review. The USS Arlington, one of three U.S. Navy ships named to commemorate the September 11th attacks, is part of the initial wave of warships, tall ships, and international vessels arriving for the event.

Approximately 30 gray hull vessels are expected to anchor in the Hudson River, with many arriving on Wednesday. The U.S. is contributing ten ships to the flotilla, including the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. The Nimitz, the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet and set for retirement in 2027, will carry an MQ-25 Stingray and four F/A-18E Super Hornets.

Other vessels have already taken up positions. The U.S. tall ship Elissa, at 149 years old, is the oldest ship participating and is docked in Brooklyn. The Class B vessel America 2.0 is at Chelsea Piers. International participation includes Monaco's Class B ship, the Tuiga, and the British Virgin Islands' STV Vela, docked in Jersey City and Sandy Hook, respectively. The Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sailed through the harbor Tuesday and is docked in the Hudson River off Westchester.

By Saturday, an estimated 80 vessels will be in New York Harbor for what is described as the largest parade of sails in history. More than 20 nations will be represented, though Mexico's participation is noted as absent. Organizers cited "logistics and timing" as reasons for Mexico's absence, following an incident where the Mexican training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge over a year ago, resulting in the deaths of two cadets.

The event is expected to bring roughly 15,000 sailors from participating countries ashore this week.