2020 Can't Kill Fleet Week as the Celebration Goes Online for Veterans Day

Fleet Week, one of our Navy's most beloved institutions and a pillar of the service's civilian outreach, has been forced to reinvent itself as the country continues to struggle with pandemic shutdowns.

On Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. ET, video game powerhouse World of Warships will partner with Verizon for a virtual Fleet Week celebration streaming live on YouTube and Twitch.

The program will feature virtual versions of the USS Midway and some of the other most iconic U.S. warships; a virtual air show; and historical footage commemorating troop homecomings, veteran story sessions and more.

Wargaming, the parent company of World of Warships, sometimes seems more like a military history foundation that makes games to fund its research than an entertainment company. This event will definitely reinforce that idea.

Dr. Geoffrey Wawro, professor of military history at the University of North Texas and director of the UNT Military History Center, will host the event. Country music singer and songwriter Chris Young will perform during the show, and a special keynote speech will be delivered by the CEO of the United States Naval Institute, retired Navy Vice Adm. Peter Daly. There will also be appearances by museum representatives from the USS Iowa; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; USS Lexington; and USS Midway.

The event will take place in a virtual New York City harbor and parade down the Hudson River.

Find it on the World of Warships Twitch and YouTube channels. Get updates on the event by following the World of Warships on Twitter.

The Virtual Fleet Week event is co-sponsored by Verizon, the Wounded Warrior Project, the History Channel and the U.S. Naval Institute.

Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment

Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.