Navy Unveils Schedule for 250th Birthday Celebration in Philadelphia & Camden
PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Navy has released a detailed schedule of events commemorating its 250th birthday, centered around a week-long celebration in Philadelphia and Camden, new Jersey, from October 9-16. The festivities will include ship tours, air shows, a parade, concerts, and opportunities to explore workforce growth within the maritime industry.
the public will have access to tours of historic Navy vessels, including the battleship New Jersey, the cruiser Olympia, a WWII-era submarine Becuna, and a replica of Washington’s Crossing boat, at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Camden Waterfront. From October 10-15, eight Navy vessels and two Coast Guard cutters will also be open for public tours in Philadelphia and Camden.
Aerial displays are planned for October 11-13,featuring Navy and marine Corps aircraft flying over the Delaware River and South Jersey. Flyovers will occur at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. each day.
On October 11, the Innovation Pavilion in Philadelphia will host a showcase of shipbuilding and maritime industry workforce and training opportunities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Later that evening, a Navy gala at the National Constitution Center will feature remarks from Navy and Marine Corps officials alongside ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.
October 12 will feature a veteran and civilian picnic at Independence Mall, boasting over 50 food vendors and music from U.S. Navy bands. Actor and retired Marine Rob riggle will speak at 6 p.m. EST during the “Victory at Sea” concert, also at Independence Mall, with performances by Patti LaBelle and the Elite Marine Corps Band.
A celebratory parade will march through downtown Philadelphia on October 13 at 11 a.m., culminating at Independence Hall at 2:30 p.m.with a Blue Angels flyover, music, and remarks from military and civic leaders. A fireworks display over the delaware River, near historic Navy and Coast guard ships, will conclude the day’s events at 6 p.m. EST.
Ships will depart from Penn’s Landing,the Navy Yard in Philadelphia,Gloucester City,New Jersey,and the battleship New Jersey in camden on October 16,and the public is invited to see them off.
More information about the events can be found at https://www.homecoming250.org/schedule-of-events/.
