NEW YORK — The sailors are here. Members of the United States maritime services swarmed New York City starting Wednesday for the 31st annual Fleet Week.

About 2,600 sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members and more than a dozen ships are participating in the yearly celebration of the nation's sea forces. This year's events run from May 22 to 28. The festivities kicked off May 22 with the Parade of Ships, which gives New Yorkers a chance to see several vessels along the Hudson River as they head from Battery Park to the area near the George Washington Bridge.

Fleet Week will host a total of 15 ships docked in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, The Bronx and Long Island, most of which will be open for tours. This year's fleet includes five U.S. Navy ships, four U.S. Naval Academy patrol boats, three Coast Guard cutters, a pair of Royal Canadian Navy vessls and a Military Sealift Command ship. Don't jump ship if you miss the parade — there are dozens of other events throughout the week, giving New Yorkers plenty of chances to enjoy the tradition.

Here's what you need to know for Fleet Week 2019. Schedule A packed schedule of events will follow Wednesday's Parade of Ships, which runs from 8 a.m. to about noon. Concerts, demonstrations, Memorial Day observances and other programs will take place around the city throughout the week.

Some events will be held in Westchester County, Long Island and New Jersey for anyone who can't make it into the Big Apple.

The official Fleet Week website, hosted by Military News, has the full schedule of events here.

Ship Tours Ships participating in Fleet Week will be open for tours in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum will also be open for daily ship tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be aware that tours at Pier 88 in Manhattan will be closed on Sunday, and tours in Brooklyn will only run on Sunday and Monday. Be sure to get out this week if you want to see the U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats, as they'll be leaving on Saturday.