NEW YORK-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Drift Collection Vessel HAYWARD sailed alongside U.S. Naval Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault ship USS Battan (LHD 5), Military Sealift ships, and U.S. Coast Guard vessels in the parade of ships that entered New York Harbor May 25th to participate in Fleet Week 2022, a week-long event celebrating the maritime services.
The ships transited the Anchorage Channel and sailed under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge mid-morning as onlookers lined the shores of Staten Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, N.Y. and welcomed the fleet.
Sailors and Marines lined the rails of the arriving ships as they made their way to Pier 81. After the ships docked in Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn, scores of military personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard descended on the Big Apple and participated in Fleet Week festivities in the five boroughs, New Jersey and Long Island, including Memorial Day events on the Intrepid Museum pier and parades.
The HAYWARD's mission is to remove floating debris and obstructions from high use shipping channels and provide clear and safe navigation and ensure products arrive to the container terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Each day, the HAYWARD crew ensures that the waters of the Hudson River that flows between New York and New Jersey up to the Tappen Zee Bridge and beyond remain navigable by removing floating debris.
The vessel's crew is responsible for removing hazards to navigation such as sections of floating pier, timber and removing sunken derelict vessels. The unique flat hull design enables the HAYWARD to effectively maneuver as it lifts large pieces of debris out of the harbor. Debris too large for the nets are towed alongside.
The flotilla of debris collection vessels not only keep the Hudson River clear and navigable, they also keeps the entire New York Harbor and federal navigation channels clear of debris and hazardous material. The crews facilitate clear passage for vessels, and help bolster an urban economy that injects billions of dollars into the eastern Port of New York & New Jersey.
The DCV HAYWARD and its crew got a well-deserved moment of admiration during this year’s Fleet Week Parade of Ships, but as soon as the ships were docked, the vessel got right back to work, ensuring that commerce and free movement of all vessels remain uninhibited throughout the New York Harbor.