Fleet Week is officially underway with sailors, marine and coast guardsmen converging on New York City.

Now in its 29th year, the week kicked off with a 15 gun salute, welcoming thousands of sailors, marines and coast guardsmen to the city.

The NYPD was standing by to keep the area secure in both the water and on land.

Fleet Week's first official event is the Parade of Ships.

What makes the event so special is the opportunity for people in the area to meet the men and woman of the armed forces and to witness firsthand what it is they do.

"The fleet is out there risking their lives so it's important to me that we should be here to salute them when I come home," says James Cusick, Sergeant at Arms.

During the week there will be opportunities for people to tour the ships and see some of the technology that’s used.

Fleet Week lasts until next week.