Fleet Week FAQ
Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore
Frequently Asked Questions 2024
Fleet Week social media handles for more & most up-to-date information:
Website: www.mdfleetweek.org
Facebook: facebook.com/mdfleetweek
Instagram: @mdfleetweek
Phone number: 866-639-3526
IS THERE A COST FOR EVENT ADMISSION?
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore events are free and open to the public and include tours of naval vessels, family-friendly festivals and series of military and civilian aircraft flyovers.
WHAT VESSELS WILL BE OPEN FOR TOURS AND WHERE?
INNER HARBOR SHIPS and LIGHTHOUSE:
- USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) Inner Harbor West Wall
- US Naval Academy Yard Patrol Training Ship - Inner Harbor West Wall
- USS CONSTELLATION - Pier 1
- Skipjack Sigsbee - Pier 1
- Buyboat Mildred Belle - Pier 1
- USS TORSK - Pier 3
- Lightship 116 Chesapeake - Pier 3
- US Army Corp of Engineers M/V CATLETT - Pier 3
- US Army Corp of Engineers M/V REYNOLDS - Pier 3
- US Coast Guard Cutter WHEC-37 - Pier 5
- Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse - Pier 5
FELLS POINT SHIP
- US Coast Guard Cutter JAMES RANKIN - Fells Point Broadway Pier
NORTH LOCUST POINT MARINE TERMINAL SHIPS
- USS FORT LAUDERDALE (LSD 28)
- USS Gonzalez (DDG 66)
NOTE: INDIVIDUAL SHIPS MAY ADJUST HOURS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE MARYLAND FLEET WEEK APP TO CONFIRM OPEN TIMES AND SPECIFIC LOCATIONS FOR THE SHIP(S) THAT YOU WISH TO VISIT.
PLEASE READ: SPECIAL SECURITY RULES FOR U.S. NAVY SHIPS
- Be prepared for security screening
- All Bags will be searched
- Outside water / liquids will not be allowed past the check point, however water will be available inside the security area.
- NO open toed shoes, sandals, high heeled shoes, or Crocs
- Photography is only allowed in certain areas – ship's crew will advise
- Fleet Week is a NO DRONE ZONE
PRO TIP: Arrive Early for the best experience! Lines and wait times will be shortest on Thursday, Friday and Monday.
NOTE: If demand exceeds capacity, ship's crew will cease admitting visitors into the security line.
Ships are open for touring from 10AM to 5PM and all tours are free. Ship's schedules vary daily and are subject to change without prior notice.
WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE FLYOVER BALTIMORE?
Military and civilian aircraft will conduct flyovers centered over the Inner Harbor on Friday, June 14 (practice), Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from approximately 11AM-4PM. Stop by Flyover Control located at the Harborplace Light Street Pavilion and hear up-to-the-minute announcements about the flyovers and aircraft from National Aviation Expert Matt Jolley. Download the Maryland Fleet Week APP for the most up to date flyover schedules and aircraft list.
IS EAR PROTECTION NECESSARY FOR FLYOVERS?
Ear protection is recommended for children and anyone with sensitivity to loud noise while planes and jets are flying over. The schedule for flyover activity will be posted on the Fleet Week APP.
WHERE ARE THE FESTIVAL SITES LOCATED?
INNER HARBOR: From Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, 11AM-8PM, the free, family-friendly Inner Harbor Fleet Week Festival takes place at West Shore Park which is located near the Baltimore Visitor Center at 401 Light Street, Baltimore Maryland 21202. Festival goers can enjoy hands-on activities, vendors from maritime, military, cultural, and historical organizations, local food and drinks, music performances from Navy and local bands, a kid’s zone, and other entertainment! SPECIAL EVENTS include Crab Soup Cook-off, a Kids on the Bay Mermaid themed parade on the Promenade, Family Fun Zone activities, and Sunday Funday. Children are invited to don costumes and take part in the Kids on the Bay parade around the Promenade. Download the Maryland Fleet Week App for detailed activity and schedule information.
FELLS POINT: Thursday, June 13 from 5-9PM, Friday, June 14 from 2-9PM, Saturday, June 15 from 11AM to 9PM and Sunday, June 16 from 11AM to 6PM. Fells Point Town Square and Broadway Pier. 1701 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231
MARTIN STATE AIRPORT: Martin State Airport and the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum will host a two-day community open house and festival on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 9AM- 4PM each day. The event will feature aircraft on display, musical entertainment, souvenirs, and local Maryland food vendors. The weekend activities offer fun for families and exhibits that highlight Maryland’s rich aviation history.
The Martin State Airport open house and festival will also provide special opportunities for the public to see the flyover aircraft and aviators. The flyover participants will depart and arrive at Martin State Airport throughout the weekend. The best place to see the aircraft will be at the airport.
The gates to Martin State Airport at 701 Wilson Point Road, Middle River, MD 21220 open to the public at 9AM on both Saturday and Sunday, with aircraft displays starting at 10AM. Free off-airport parking and shuttle bus service will be provided to and from the open house and festival. The public should look for parking information along Eastern Blvd near the airport.
Airport visitors will be required to pass through security screening to access the aircraft displays on the airport tarmac. The airport gates will close each day at 4PM.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS FOR MILITARY VESSELS ONLY AND NOT THE MUSEUM SHIPS OF HISTORIC SHIPS IN BALTIMORE.
WILL I BE ABLE TO BOARD AND TOUR NAVY SHIPS AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Yes! Be prepared to pass minor security screening. Prior to boarding the ships, all bags will be searched and anyone above the age of 18 will be required to show a form of identification. There is no age requirement to access naval vessels during Maryland Fleet Week, however, there may be steep ladders and/or stairways to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse during a ship tour, and thus, tours may not be appropriate for small children and may be difficult for parents carrying young children. Guests should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Also, ship tours may not be appropriate for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions or mobility challenges impacting their ability to navigate active-duty ships. Strollers or baby carriages are permitted on the pier but are not allowed on ships.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS?
U.S. Navy ships participating in Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore are within Department of Defense Restricted Areas, designated pursuant to 50 USC § 797 and applicable Department of Defense directives. Entry into this Restricted Area constitutes consent to search of personnel and property, physical surveillance, and concealed monitoring, in order to ensure the safety and security of Department of Defense personnel and equipment, as authorized by Title 50, Chapter 23 and Title 18, Chapter 37, U.S. Code.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE SHIPS?
Visitors should plan on wearing comfortable clothing. If you are bringing a bag or camera case, it will be searched prior to entering. Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if it is going to be sunny. A ship is an industrial environment, so high-heels, open-toed sandals, or Croc-style shoes are prohibited. Also, avoid necklaces or jewelry that can get caught and bags that are too heavy to carry comfortably.
CAN I GET IN THE AIRCRAFT THAT ARE ON DISPLAY?
For your safety, we can’t let people in our vehicles or aircraft. Static displays, however, can be photographed but you will need to remain behind the ropes at all times.
MAY I USE A DRONE TO FILM/PHOTOGRAPH WHILE VISITING THE SHIPS OR AIRCRAFT?
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore is a NO DRONE ZONE. Operating drones around and over vessels participating in Maryland Fleet Week, at both North Locust Point and the Inner Harbor is strictly prohibited. Drones will be disabled and violators will be prosecuted.
WHAT ITEMS ARE ALLOWED ON THE SHIPS?
Small hand-carried items such as handbags, small cameras, or diaper bags are permitted. All personnel are screened and all authorized bags are searched before entering the pier. Please note that water / liquids of any kind will not be allowed through the security checkpoint. Water will be available within the security areas.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SHIPS?
The following items are not permitted on board ships: electronic smoking devices, bottles, water bottles, cans, or glass containers of any type; banners, posters or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animals. All electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The military services reserve the right to prohibit other items not listed above.
MAY I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO ON THE SHIPS?
Photographs of U.S. Navy ships are allowed on the pier prior to boarding and at some designated locations on the ship. While you are taking your tour, the tour guide will tell you where and when you can take pictures. Until then, we ask that you keep your camera/cell phone secured in a pocket, purse, or backpack. Individuals who violate this policy may be asked to depart the ship. Photo and story sharing is encouraged on all social media platforms. Whenever possible, please use #MDFleetWeek on photos/videos posted to social media.
ARE NAVY SHIPS ACCESSIBLE?
Unfortunately, Navy ships, due to the nature of their mission, are not handicap accessible.
ARE THERE ANY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO VISIT THE SHIPS?
There may be steep ladders (stairways) to climb and narrow passageways to traverse during a ship tour. Ship tours may not be appropriate for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions impacting their ability to navigate such challenges.
MAY I BRING MY PETS?
We love our pets, too, but due to the large crowds, the difficulty they would have making their way through a U.S. Navy ship, and the potential for changing weather conditions, we ask that for their safety that pets remain at home. Service animals are welcome at the festivals.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHERE ARE PUBLIC RESTROOMS LOCATED AT THE INNER HARBOR?
Portable restrooms will be located on the north end and south end of West Shore Park at 401 Light Street and on USS Constellation Dock.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK AT THE INNER HARBOR?
There are several parking garages located in downtown Baltimore and around the Inner Harbor. Please be prepared to pay for parking. Metered street parking is available but very limited. Consider using the Light Rail, Charm City Circulator, and other public transportation options.
ARE THERE SHUTTLE BUSES TO SHIP LOCATIONS?
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore recommends using the Charm City Circulator, a FREE bus service, for accessing ship locations. The Purple “Banner Route” Busses depart approximately every 20 minutes from the #418 Stop at Rash Field to North Locust Point ships, and the Orange Route departs approximately every 20 minutes from the Harborplace Pratt Street Pavilion to Fells Point. For more information visit the Circulator Website: HTTPS://TRANSPORTATION.BALTIMORECITY.GOV/CHARM-CITY-CIRCULATOR
WILL FLEET WEEK EVENTS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE?
Festival events and ship visitation will take place rain or shine except in severe conditions. The safety of attendees and participants is paramount. To ensure the safety of pilots and crews, inclement weather may delay or cancel flyover activities. Get up-to-date information by downloading the Maryland Fleet Week APP.
HOW DO I RECEIVE SAFETY ALERTS?
You can receive FLEET WEEK SAFETY TEXT Alerts from Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management by TEXTING: BMOREFLEETWEEK to 888777
WHAT OTHER SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS CAN I EXPERIENCE WHILE I'M IN BALTIMORE?
Baltimore is a city rich with history and culture, an array of world-class museums and attractions, a topnotch culinary scene, and an impressive selection of hotels. Our many one-of-a-kind neighborhoods – which continue to expand with the opening of restaurants, shops, cafes, and more – as well as an exciting calendar of annual events, bring enjoyment to people of all ages. In Baltimore, you can honor the past while enjoying endless opportunities to explore, learn and have fun. For centuries, Baltimore has played a significant role in our nation’s history. Many of our museums and attractions paint a spectacular picture of how Baltimore has helped shape America through exhibits, special programs and events, interactive activities and “hands-on” history. HISTORIC SHIPS IN BALTIMORE, located at the Inner Harbor, features the Sloop-of-War USS CONSTELLATION, the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy, the US Submarine TORSK, which sank the last two enemy combatants in the Pacific at the end of WWII, and the US Coast Guard Cutter WHEC-37, the last surviving warship to witness the 1945 attack on Pearl Harbor. FORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE is the “birthplace of our national anthem”. Other sites you will only find in Baltimore include the B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM, which contains the country’s oldest and most comprehensive collection of American railroad artifacts and the MARYLAND CENTER FOR HISTORY AND CULTURE, which houses the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Adventure seekers can climb the WASHINGTON MONUMENT located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, the nation’s very first monument dedicated to our first President, or take a walking tour along the STAR-SPANGLED BANNER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL or The Baltimore CIVIL WAR TRAIL. Baltimore has a celebrated African American history as well, which can be explored at the REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM OF MARYLAND AFRICAN HISTORY & CULTURE, the largest African American museum on the East Coast, the NATIONAL GREAT BLACKS IN WAX MUSEUM, the only wax museum of its kind in the country, and the FREDERICK DOUGLASS-ISAAC MYERS MARITIME PARK MUSEUM, which recounts the history of these two influential men and the nation’s first black-owned shipyard; and more. In addition to our rich historical attractions and museums, the whole family can enjoy other spectacular Baltimore institutions including the NATIONAL AQUARIUM, the MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER, the free BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART and THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM, the MARYLAND ZOO IN BALTIMORE, PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM and many more. Afterwards, stop at one of our renowned restaurants for a great meal or stroll and shop in any of our charming neighborhoods. A visit to Baltimore is sure to be full of fun and excitement and an experience that is not only one-of-a-kind, but memorable, too.
