Plans in Progress for U.S. Marines, Navy 250th Celebration
As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, the cities of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, will take part in a weeklong schedule…
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – MAY 23: U.S. Naval Academy graduates throw their caps during the 2025 Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony on May 23, 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland. 1,049 men and women graduated in the class of 2025 and will enter the Navy or Marine Corps, where they will serve for at least five years.
(Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, the cities of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, will take part in a weeklong schedule of festivities this October.
On Wednesday, June 18, leaders from both cities joined senior Navy and Marine Corps officials, service members, and volunteers in Old City to plan for the Navy Marine Corps 250th (NMC250th) celebration from Oct. 9 through 16.
According to a FOX 29 report, the celebrations will begin the morning of Oct. 9 with a maritime procession of Navy ships and vessels on the Delaware River. Throughout the week, more than a dozen events will feature U.S. Navy ship tours, visits to local schools, a "Victory at Sea" concert, an "All Veterans Reunion Picnic," and a flyover by the Blue Angels at Independence Hall.
Col. Alexander Chotkowski of the U.S. Marine Corps estimated that approximately 300 to 500 marines will bring supporting assets and amphibious warships to the commemoration.
"This event for me will be one of the most defining moments for Philadelphia," said Michael Newmuis, 2026 director for the City of Philadelphia, in a statement shared with FOX 29. "It's a chance not only to recognize the incredible services of America's bravest but also connect our citizenry with the power of service. Remind folks about what unites us."
Rear Adm. Kenneth Blackmon, vice commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, added, "When you start to see the static displays and capabilities on the ships, how much we're leaning forward in the Navy around new capabilities — unmanned aircraft, unmanned ships, unmanned submarines — we won't necessarily bring all of our capabilities in but there will be opportunities to see what the future of the Navy holds."
The U.S. Navy was established on Oct. 13, 1775, and the U.S. Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775. Philadelphia is the birthplace of both military branches.
