Fleet Week FAQ

Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore
Presented by Northrop Grumman
Frequently Asked Questions 2022

Fleet Week social media handles for more & most up-to-date information:
Website: www.mdfleetweek.org
Twitter: @MDfleetweek
Facebook: facebook.com/mdfleetweek
Instagram: @mdfleetweek
YouTube: #mdfleetweek
Phone number: 866-639-3526

What is Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore?
Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore presented by Northrop Grumman takes place September 7-13 and celebrates the rich naval traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and the contributions of Marylanders to the defense of the nation. United States and foreign Navy vessels will be in port Thursday, September 8-Monday, September 12 for tours at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and North Locust Point.  There will be a series of U.S. military jet flyovers taking place above the Inner Harbor on Friday, September 9-Sunday, September 11, 10 am- 6pm.

Is there a welcome ceremony?
Yes. Ships begin arriving in Baltimore on Wednesday, September 7 with an official welcome ceremony at 4pm at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater located at Pratt and Light streets. The event is open to the public.

What Navy vessels and ships will be docked in Baltimore and where?
The ships will include United States and Canadian naval ships, U.S. Coast Guard vessels, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric) and Army Corps of Engineers working vessels, the USS John Brown, and the Savannah as well as traditional sailing ships including the Danish sail-training tall ship Danmark. They will be docked at various locations around Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, Port Covington and Fells Point, and tours will be available from September 8-12 from 10 am-5pm.

Inner Harbor
USS Minneapolis Saint-Paul (LCS 21)
Tall Ship Danmark (Denmark)
HMCS Moncton (M708, Canada)
USNS Newport (T-EPF 12)
USCGC James Rankin (WLM 555)
USNA Yard Patrol Craft (YP)

Port Covington
USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)
USACE Reynolds
USACE Catlett
USAAF P-520 Crash Rescue

Fells Point
HMCS Moncton (M708, Canada)

Where are the best places to see the Flyover Baltimore?
There will be military jets conducting flyovers centered at the Inner Harbor on Friday, September 9, Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 from 10 am-6pm. Stop by Flyover Control located on Pier 1 at the Inner Harbor at the Constellation Center and hear up-to-the-minute announcements about the flyovers and aircraft from National Aviation Expert Matt Jolley.

Is ear protection necessary for the flyovers?
Ear protection is recommended for children and anyone with sensitivity to loud noise.

What are the locations of the festivals?
Inner Harbor: From Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11, 11 am-7pm, 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, Family Fun Zone activities, and Sunday Funday. Children are invited to don costumes and take part in a parade around the promenade on Saturday, September 10 at 11am.

Port Covington: NEW in 2022! The event expands to feature a festival at Port Covington. The Port Covington Fleet Week Festival kicks off on Friday, September 9 from 5-8pm with a Meet the Fleet Happy Hour, where attendees can mix-and-mingle with crews from the visiting ships at Port Covington at 321 E. Cromwell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. The party includes a free, live concert by Rob Fahey & The Pieces, beer/wine, local food trucks and lawn games along the waterfront.

The Port Covington Fleet Week Festival is open on Saturday, September 10 & Sunday, September 11 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, rain or shine. It will feature a house DJ, live music by bands in a variety of genres, curated maker pop-up tents, the S.S. Family Fun Zone with face painting, games, crafts and strolling street theater and a delicious menu of food, beer and wine.

Martin State Airport: Martin State Airport and the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum host a two-day community open house and festival on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 from 9 am- 4 pm. The event features military 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 as well as MD-43, 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.

Is there a cost for event admission?
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore events are free and open to the public and includes tours of naval vessels, a family-friendly festival and series of military aircraft flyovers.

Will I be able to board and tour Navy ships and what should I expect?
Yes, however, be prepared to pass minor security clearance to do so and note that during Fleet Week all bags will be searched. 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 shoes.

Also, ship tours may not be appropriate for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions impacting their ability to navigate such challenges. Strollers or baby carriages are permitted on the pier, but are not allowed on the ships.

The following items are not permitted: 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.

Photography is permitted aboard the ships; however, photos of security personnel or procedures are prohibited.

CDC guidelines will be followed at the time of the event. Currently, masks are optional.

Are the Navy ships accessible?
Ships are not handicap accessible.

May I bring my pets?
We love our pets, too, but due to the large crowds and potential for changing weather conditions, we ask that for their safety that pets remain at home. Pets are not allowed aboard the visiting ships. Service animals are welcome at the festivals.

Where are public restrooms located at the Inner Harbor?
Portable restrooms are located on the north end and south end of West Shore Park at 401 Light Street, on Pier 1 by the USS Constellation, and on Pier 5.

Where should I park at the Inner Harbor?
Several parking garages are located in downtown Baltimore and around the Inner Harbor. Please be prepared to pay to park. Metered street parking is available but limited.

Where should I park at Port Covington?
The Port Covington Fleet Week Festival is located at Port Covington Marina. For ride sharing, use 321 E. Cromwell Street, Baltimore MD 21230 (There is no public parking at the marina). Free public parking is available at 101 W. Cromwell Street. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Fleet Week shuttle buses will transport visitors from the surface parking lot in front of the red building entrance that says “City Garage” to the marina.

Are there shuttle buses?
Two free shuttle bus routes are available.

Inner Harbor to Port Covington Shuttle Buses: Bus stop at Maryland Science Center at Key Highway entrance to City Garage Parking Lot stop at 101 Dickman Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 to Port Covington stop at 321 E. Cromwell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11 from 11am to 8pm.

Martin State Airport Shuttle Buses: Stop at Lockheed Martin parking lot on Eastern Boulevard in Middle River, MD 21220 to Martin State Airport at 701 Wilson Point Road, Middle River, MD 21220. Additional stop at satellite parking lot at 11572 Crossroads Circle, Middle River, MD 21220 if needed. Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 from 9am to 5pm.

Is public transportation available around Baltimore?
Yes, MTA buses, Light Rail Link and Metro Subway Link are available. For schedules, visit the website www.mta.maryland.gov.

The Charm City Circulator buses operate in Baltimore as well. For schedules, visit https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/charm-city-circulator.

The MARC Train Station is just steps away at 301 W. Camden Street near Oriole Park at Camden Yards. For info, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/marc-camden.

To ferry around the Inner Harbor water, the Baltimore Water Taxi is operating. For info, visit www.baltimorewatertaxi.com.

Will events take place rain or shine?
Events take place rain or shine except in severe conditions. The safety of attendees and participants is paramount. Inclement weather may delay flyover activities.

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 those 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. Among these are Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine – the “birthplace of our national anthem” – and other sites you will only find in Baltimore, like the B&O Railroad Museum, which contains the country’s oldest, 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 newly-restored Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, the nation’s very first monument dedicated to our first president; tour various historic ships in the harbor, like the USS Constellation, the US Submarine Torsk and the US Coast Guard Cutter Taney; or take a walking tour along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail or 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; 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 attractions, 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-akind, but memorable, too.

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