Today was an entire day's worth of New York Fleet Week '09 final planning for all those last-minute details that needed to be addressed. I suspect with all the fun that's to be had celebrating our sea services as our Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen take to the City on liberty call, many people are left completely unaware of all the dedicated people, parts and processes that go into an event on the scale of Fleet Week New York. Of course, if we did our jobs correctly, that's exactly the effect we'll achieve. Over six months' worth of coordination and meetings go into the planning; an enormous community and multi-service event, all the dizzying details are enough make any special events coordinator's head spin! With Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard participation, New York Fleet Week is a superb example of our maritime strategy's concept and coordination in action.

Let's hope this year's Fleet Week planning will provide an enjoyable, smooth sailing experience for our service members and New Yorkers alike!