One of the best places to experience all the action during Fleet Week is the Intrepid Museum, where the city’s rich maritime history meets hands-on military demos, live performances, and even a movie under the stars.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — There aren’t many times a journalist has the honor and privilege to stay aboard a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, so when I was presented with the opportunity to get an inside look few will ever have — during Fleet Week no less — I jumped at the chance.

The Fleet Week New York Parade of Ships will take place the morning of Wednesday, May 21. The ships will travel from the Verrazano Bridge up through New York Harbor and to Piers 86-90 in Hell's ...