Photo Information

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion arrive to put their Light Armored Vehicle on display for the public to look at as a part of Marine Day at Bryant Park, New York City, May 21, 2015. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York showcase the capabilities of the Marine Corps both physically, mentally and technologically during Fleet Week New York. Fleet Week is an annual event that provides New York and surrounding area a chance to see the sea services capabilities.

Photo by Cpl. Justin Updegraff

Marines showcase capabilities at Bryant Park

22 May 2015 | Cpl. Justin Updegraff The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York set up equipment and vehicle displays, as well as martial arts demonstrations and boot camp style physical training for Fleet Week New York at Bryant Park, New York City, May 21.

More than 300 Marines arrived in New York City to participate in this year’s annual Fleet Week. The community engagement event provides the people of New York City and surrounding area a chance to see the capabilities of the Marine Corps and the opportunity to meet with the Marines. 

“This allows the public to see what their tax dollars are supporting,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Byrne, a platoon commander with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “They can see how the Marines are trained on different weapons systems, what they know and what Marines bring to the fight when they’re out doing the nation’s bidding.”

Throughout the day, the Marines shared their knowledge, showed advancements in technology and allowed the citizens to get a taste of what the Marine Corps is all about. The citizens were afforded the opportunity to hold the weapons that Marines carry into combat, as well as see the instruments that an explosive ordinance disposal unit has to offer.

“The weapons systems have come a long way. A lot of the equipment that they are carrying has advanced in recent years,” said Gene Doucette, retired Air Force veteran from Boston Massachusetts. “From the night vision, to the scopes and along with other equipment, it’s stuff that we never had when I was in the service.”

The people of New York gained an understanding of what Marines do in daily life and during operations through hands-on experiences. They got to experience the gear Marines carry, the vehicles they travel in and the skills they are taught from boot camp and maintained through their enlistment.