CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The U.S.S. Lexington Museum will begin its virtual Fleet Week on Monday to honor veterans, as well as active military.
Corpus Christi will hold festivities and events that commemorate their service and show appreciation.
Fleet Week is a traditional event that lets active sailors, marines and members of the Air Force visit major cities across the country -- including Seattle, San Francisco and New York City -- but because of COVID-19, the Lexington will be celebrating virtually, with help from video game company World of Warships.
World of Warships will be hosting a streaming event in conjunction with museum ships like the U.S.S. Lexington, and will feature the History Channel’s naval historian, as well as representatives from the U.S.S. Lexington, U.S.S. Iowa, U.S.S. Midway, and U.S.S. Intrepid.
Viewers can experience Fleet Week from the New York City port, and will feature a virtual airshow, and historical footage.
“This is an opportunity for people to get into their game with the ships and to do a Fleet Week in that way,” said U.S.S. Lexington Museum Executive Director Steve Banta.
If you don't have the game, Banta said other opportunities to participate are available. World of Warships will have link on Twitch and YouTube where you can watch the show.
“They are really going to take the opportunity to commemorate the Navy itself," Banta said. "But also not just modern Navy, but the history there and that’s what it’s all about."
This virtual event will recreate the atmosphere of a grand Fleet Week while also paying tribute to the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.
Veterans also will be telling their stories during the festivities.
Veteran Don Hurst said that Fleet Week means getting recognized for the time that he served along with his friends and family who also served.
“Getting that camaraderie back that we had when we were in the service together,” said Hurst, who is a veteran and ship electrician. “And Veterans Day is just a chance to remember that, recognize that and share that."
Virtual Fleet Week is free and the Lexington also will be hosting viewings.
To stream the virtual Fleet Week on Twitch click here.
To stream the virtual Fleet Week on Youtube click here.
