Posted on July 6, 2026
NEW YORK — As the nation celebrated the 250th Anniversary of American independence, one of the first vessels to begin the day’s mission wasn’t a warship or a tall ship—it was the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District Drift Collection Vessel HAYWARD.
Before thousands of sailors manned the rails, before military aircraft thundered overhead, and before dozens of tall ships from around the world sailed past the Statue of Liberty, the HAYWARD and its crew were already hard at work.
During a harbor inspection aboard the vessel, Lee Forsgren, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), joined Colonel Young and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel to observe the preparations that help make events of this scale possible. The inspection highlighted the importance of the Civil Works mission and the critical role America’s waterways continue to play in the nation’s security, economy, and prosperity.
In the days leading up to the celebration, the HAYWARD and crew cleared floating debris from New York Harbor, keeping the federal navigation channels safe for commercial shipping, ferries, recreational boaters, and the unprecedented international fleet gathering for the celebration. Their work ensured a clear path for one of the largest maritime events in American history.
With its mission complete, the HAYWARD had the distinct honor of leading the Parade of Ships, literally clearing the way before guiding the historic procession into New York Harbor.
Behind the HAYWARD came an extraordinary display of international friendship and maritime tradition. More than 40 tall ships representing nations from around the world sailed alongside approximately 30 U.S. Navy vessels and other military and government ships, demonstrating the enduring partnerships forged through shared service at sea.
The celebration also showcased the strength of America’s sea services. U.S. Navy ships, U.S. Coast Guard cutters, and mariners from the United States Merchant Marine Academy joined thousands of Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, cadets, and civilian mariners in honoring 250 years of American independence. Throughout the day, the Coast Guard maintained security across the harbor while supporting the safe movement of the international fleet.
Above the harbor, military aircraft added another historic dimension to the celebration. The aerial review featured aircraft from across the U.S. Armed Forces, highlighted by the Blue Angels and international partners, including France’s famed Patrouille de France, whose red, white, and blue smoke honored the enduring friendship between the two nations.
For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the day served as a reminder that while many celebrations begin with fireworks and fanfare, they are built on months of planning and the daily work of dedicated public servants. From maintaining navigation channels and removing drift to reducing flood risk and strengthening critical infrastructure, the Civil Works mission has helped shape America’s growth for more than two centuries.
As the HAYWARD led the way through New York Harbor the DRIFTMASTER kept the path open, on this historic Independence Day, it symbolized more than the beginning of a parade. It represented the quiet, steadfast commitment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keeping America’s waterways open, safe, and ready for the next 250 years.
