America 250: NYPD to deploy entire water fleet for July 4 weekend

Ever since large ships began descending on the Big Apple on Wednesday for Sail4th 250, the NYPD says it has been on the river to ensure their safe passage. However, according to Inspector Raul Maisonet, the country’s largest police force will deploy its entire armada on Saturday as crowds gather to watch the Independence Day parade.

“My entire fleet will be out,” Maisonet said. “And in terms of counterterrorism, it’s basically a 24/7 operation. “Our team has been out here for weeks. We’re doing proactive dives with our scuba teams, we are doing sonar scans in the area randomly at different times, just to make sure everyone’s safe.”

In celebration of the county’s 250th anniversary, the Hudson will be filled with a gathering of international tall ships and military vessels, and thousands will litter the shorelines to catch a glimpse of the procession. Meanwhile, on July 3, the East River will see more than a dozen Class B tall ships from the Hell Gate Bridge to South Street Seaport.

This is all hours before fireworks are set to light up the sky from several barges and the Brooklyn Bridge itself.

“With something this scale, this size, we also take out another mission of counterterrorism. So we look for our regular law enforcement mission, anything out of the ordinary. We will be answering 911 calls,” Maisonet added. “Logistically, it is a challenge for us.”

Still, the department says it has been preparing for the celebration for several years and is ready for both the influx of water activity and the large crowds on land. Police say they are implementing restrictions that include a complete ban on jet skis, while also telling the public looking to watch the festivities not to bring large items like umbrellas. They advise people to arrive early as large crowds are expected.

“There will be heavy weapons teams, canine units, and thousands of uniformed officers, aviation, harbor, and our counter-drone teams will also be deployed. There will be additional security measures that you will not see,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Wednesday.