Albany County Navy250

HELPFUL TERMS:

• America 250 is the official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
• Freedom 250 is the Department of War's initiative for this celebration.
• Sail4th 250 is the title of the activities happening in and around New York Harbor and includes the International Naval Review and the 50th Anniversary of Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks.
• Navy 250 is the U.S. Navy's multi-year campaign honoring its own 250th birthday.

The US Navy officially celebrated its 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025. Authorized by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the milestone was honored by a series of commemorative events across the country, including major galas at the National Constitution Center and Presidential proclamations.

In 2026, the US Navy is again commemorating its contribution to the Nation’s defense as part of a whole-of-government 250 celebration planned by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission with port calls and community outreach engagements in major U.S. cities. The International Naval Review will culminate the events as a maritime highlight. For more information, visit https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/.

PUBLIC TOURS:

Will be available with advanced registration only

Saturday, July 4: 10 am – 2:30 pm
Sunday, July 5: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, July 6: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, July 7: 9 – 11:30 am

Tours will take 25 minutes and max out at 20 people. TOUR SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

Registrations are REQUIRED in advance (NO WALK-INS will be allowed). Security and physical ability requirements must be met. There is no fee.

ID Requirements: All adults 18+ must present a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). Non-U.S. citizens must show a valid passport and may be subject to additional screening. THERE WILL BE MULTIPLE SECURITY CHECK POINTS.

Visitors are recommended to travel light — large bags, long necklaces/clothing that may get snagged, weapons, vaping devices, alcohol, and pocketknives are not permitted. Bags may be searched.

REGISTER HERE

GOOD TO KNOW/SHIP ACCESS INFORMATION:

Physical Requirements: Visitors must be able to walk unassisted, navigate narrow spaces, and climb up and down steep ladders and ramps. Comfortable clothes and closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes are required.

No pets are allowed with the exception of certified Service Animals (that are noted in advance as part of the reservation). There may be limited access aboard the vessel.

Please note: Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted at the dock but cannot access the ship.

Keep in mind that you will be touring a working ship in a working commercial port. The following information is provided for your safety during your tour.

1. Wear comfortable clothing: Tennis/running or flat, rubber-soled shoes. Do not wear heels, sandals, flip-flops, or “Crocs.”  Do not wear necklaces that can get caught or bags that will be too heavy to carry comfortably. Women should not wear skirts, as guests will be climbing ladders.
2. Handbags and camera cases will be searched before guests enter the ship.
3. Guests are recommended to use sunscreen and/or sunglasses.
4. Large backpacks, pocketknives, weapons, or liquid containers (including bottled water) will not be allowed aboard.
5. Smoking and/or vaping are not allowed during your tour/while aboard.
6. Electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality.
7. All visitors will pass through multiple screenings/security checkpoints before approaching the ship.
8. The US Navy and the Port of Albany-Rensselaer are not responsible for any personal articles or property lost or stolen while left unattended on the dock or in the designated parking area.
9. This US Navy ship is within a Department of Defense Restricted Area, designated pursuant to 50 USC § 797 and applicable Department of Defense directives.  Entry into this Restricted Area constitutes consent to search of your person and property, physical surveillance, and concealed monitoring, in order to ensure the safety and security of Department of Defense personnel and equipment, as authorized by title 50, Chapter 23 and Title 18, Chapter 37, U.S. Code.

PHOTOS/VIDEO/DRONES:

Photos will be permitted only in designated locations along the tour.  All video and live streaming is prohibited. “Smart Glasses,” selfie-sticks, and tripods are NOT allowed. Outside designated areas, all phones, cameras, and video devices must be secured. Tour guides will verify that devices are put away before proceeding.

Per Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, unauthorized drone flights within 3000 feet horizontally and 1000 feet vertically of U.S. naval vessels are prohibited. No drones will be allowed to fly over the Port of Albany-Rensselaer during the US Navy visit.

SECURITY:

Please be aware that this is at the full discretion of the US NAVY due to active security and events planned in New York Harbor and may be subject to change. The Port is acting as host; maritime and military security will be managed directly by the US NAVY with local security being led by the Albany Police Department, NYS Police, and NCIS.

PARKING/ACCESS:

No public parking is allowed at the Port of Albany itself.

Parking for tours will be outside of the Port District, off of Binghamton Street (GPS: 13 Binghamton Street, Albany NY 12202). Registrations will be confirmed at 1^st Security Checkpoint before visitors board the shuttle.PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR TOUR TIME to facilitate parking and transit to the ship.

AMENITIES:

Portable restrooms will be available on site at the Port. No food or drink options will be available at the ship nor the shuttle parking lot.