Monday, October 13, 2025

Navy's 250th Birthday Sets Stage for Historic International Fleet Gathering Next Year in Norfolk

Sail250® Virginia to Welcome the World's Navies for Largest Maritime Commemoration in Commonwealth History

NORFOLK, VA – October 13, 2025 – As the United States Navy celebrates its 250th birthday today, Sail250® Virginia confirmed plans for an unprecedented gathering of international naval power next summer that will honor both this milestone and next year’s American Semiquincentennial.

From June 15 through July 1, 2026, Norfolk will serve as the "jumping off point" for an International Fleet Exercise – FleetEx250 – bringing together the Grey Hull Fleet of more than 25 international military ships from more than 20 countries docked at Naval Station Norfolk. This is in addition to welcoming over 60 tall ships, historic and character vessels from more than 20 countries in Norfolk and 10 other Virginia Affiliate Harbors. Both gatherings will welcome approximately 10,000 international crew members and diplomats to the region.

"On this momentous 250th birthday of the United States Navy, we look ahead to June 2026 when Norfolk will once again demonstrate why we are a global port of friendship and goodwill," said Sail250® Virginia President & CEO Karen Scherberger. "This is a once-in-a- generation opportunity to showcase our naval and maritime legacy on the world stage."

The Norfolk gathering represents the second-largest fleet assembly among the five official national ports hosting vessels for America's 250th anniversary celebration. Norfolk joins New Orleans, Baltimore, New York, and Boston in this historic commemoration.

In an extraordinary gesture of public engagement, the U.S. Navy has arranged for Naval Station Norfolk to be open for visitors to the FleetEx250 ships on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, 2026 – a rare opportunity for the public to experience the world's largest naval station up close.

Following the various Sail250® Virginia events in Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay region after the FleetEx250 exercises off the Virginia coast, the international Grey Hull Fleet will cruise northward and join the Sail250® tall ship fleet to participate in New York City's Sail 4th 250® celebration and the International Naval Review (INR), creating a maritime bridge between two of America's most historic naval cities.

Sail250® Virginia will feature:

More than 60 tall ships, historic and character vessels from over 20 countries
International Fleet Exercise - FleetEx250 - with 25 military ships representing naval forces from 20 countries at Naval Station Norfolk, June 20-21, 2026
International crew exchanges and diplomatic engagements
Maritime commemorations honoring 250 years of American history and naval heritage
A flyover by the US Navy’s famed Blue Angels over the Parade of Sail on June 19, 2026

“Sail250® Virginia reaffirms the Hampton Roads region's identity not only as a harbor of history, but as a centerpiece of international military cooperation and camaraderie,” Scherberger added. “It’s appropriate for us to announce these plans for 2026 on the Navy’s 250th birthday. Together, we are making history again!”

For more information about Sail250 Virginia, visit sail250virginia.com or follow us on social media.