U.S.
GallerySea services launch Sail 250 New Orleans as part of nation’s 250th birthday celebration
Stars and Stripes
May 30, 2026
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge transits the Mississippi River on its way to Julia Street Cruise Terminal during Sail 250 in New Orleans on May 28, 2026. (Jimmy Ivy III/U.S. Navy)
More than 3,000 Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and international maritime partner personnel arrived in New Orleans on Thursday to launch Sail 250 New Orleans, the inaugural port call of the national Sail 250.
Sail 250 is a major feature of the nation’s Freedom 250 commemoration celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The five-day celebration, which runs through Sunday, brings the largest-ever assembly of tall ships and naval vessels to the Mississippi River waterfront, connecting the American public with the maritime services through ship tours, community outreach events, military demonstrations and cultural engagements honoring 250 years of naval and Marine Corps service.
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Eduardo Rodriguez, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, face paints for a child at the Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. Service members visited the hospital as part of Sail 250 New Orleans and the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. (Priscilla Flores/U.S. Marine Corps)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Deja Fletcher, an inventory management specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo with a child at the Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. (Priscilla Flores/U.S. Marine Corps)
Sailors aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge showcase a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as part of a ship tour during Sail 250 in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. (Jimmy Ivy III/U.S. Navy)
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge hosts a ship tour during Sail 250 in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. (Jimmy Ivy III/U.S. Navy)
Lt. Anna Waern-Bugge of the Royal Swedish Navy speaks with U.S. Air Force veteran Larry Winthrop during a tour of the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Medical Center in on May 29, 2026. (Sylvie Carafiol/U.S. Navy)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Camren Britt, a saxophone instrumentalist with the Marine Forces Reserve Band, performs during the mayoral welcome ceremony at Gallier Hall in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. (Mailani Jones-Thornton/U.S. Navy)
U.S. Marines showcase an explosive ordnance disposal 10 Advanced Bomb Suit during a Sail 250 New Orleans event near Audubon Aquarium on May 29, 2026. (Nalanie Davila/U.S. Marine Corps)
An M136 AT4 anti-armor weapon is displayed during a Sail 250 New Orleans event near Audubon Aquarium on May 29, 2026. (Nalanie Davila/U.S. Marine Corps)
A small unmanned aircraft system flies over tall ships during a Sail 250 New Orleans event near Audubon Aquarium on May 29, 2026. (Breysson Villacortaca/U.S. Marine Corps)
Peruvian Sailors from BAP Union walk in formation during Sail 250 New Orleans on May 29, 2026. (Jacob D. Bergh/U.S. Navy)
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno stands with U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines during the mayoral welcome ceremony at Gallier Hall on May 29, 2026. (Mailani Jones-Thornton/U.S. Navy)
Opening remarks are given to U.S. Marines, sailors and New Orleans community participants during a pier-side welcoming event during Sail 250 New Orleans on May 27, 2026. (Van Hoang/U.S. Marine Corps)
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sawfish, an 87‑foot Marine Protector‑class patrol boat, patrols the Mississippi River during a pier-side welcoming event during Sail 250 New Orleans on May 27, 2026. (Van Hoang/U.S. Marine Corps)
“This is an incredible opportunity to bring America’s sea services directly to the people of New Orleans while celebrating 250 years of maritime excellence, readiness, and service to the nation,” said Navy Capt. Matthew Breedlove, Sail 250 public affairs lead. “Sail 250 New Orleans showcases the strength of our naval partnerships, the professionalism of our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, and the enduring connection between the American people and the sea services that defend them.”
Participating vessels include the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge; Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut; USCGC Mohawk; and USCGC Eagle, known as “America’s Tall Ship,” alongside numerous international and historic sailing vessels.
Sail 250 will continue in Norfolk, Va.; Baltimore; New York; and Boston.