Fleet Week Begins In New York [VIDEO]

Naval vessels ranging from a U.S. amphibious assault ship to a Finnish minelayer are participating in New York City's Fleet Week.

The organization Operation Sail says 17 tall ships from around the world also will be in the city. The large vessels are rigged with traditional sails.

Military flyovers also are part of the festivities. This year's event marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Military ships from Japan, Canada, Finland and the United Kingdom will be docked around the city. The U.S. Navy's lineup includes guided-missile destroyers and the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.

Another highlight is the Eagle. The three-masted barque was built in 1936 as a German training ship. It's now used to train cadets at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)