Fleet Week kicks off Wednesday in New York City — marking the start of a weeklong event that honors the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marines all across the five boroughs.

This year, two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats will be rolling in for Fleet Week, bringing more than 2,300 service men and women.

James Hendon, commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans' Services, joined "Mornings On 1" Tuesday to preview the week ahead. 

He said the event gives New Yorkers the opportunity to pay their respects to those who serve our country, and this year — amid a time of elevated global unrest with Russia’s war against Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war both raging on, Hendon said it’s more important than ever.

“It’s so great to just wrap hands and arms around our brothers and sisters who are in the sea services during times like these,” Hendon said.

New York City is the home of approximately 144,000 veterans, according to the state comptroller’s office. That being the case, Hendon said he wished more of them knew about the support the Department of Veterans’ Services offers, including housing help.

“I wish more people took advantage of our housing ladder — and that’s nyc.gov/vetladder — it just lists different things that are available to our veterans who have housing issues, be it from emergency housing needs up to supportive housing needs to affordable housing needs,” Hendon said.

For more information on Fleet Week, head here.