In May 2026, New Orleans will host one of the most exciting and meaningful civic celebrations our city has seen in years as part of Fleet Week New Orleans and Sail 250, a national commemoration connected to America’s 250th anniversary.
During this historic week, New Orleans will welcome approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and partner-nation service members arriving aboard U.S. Navy and allied ships.
For the visiting crews, Fleet Week represents a rare opportunity to step ashore, experience the culture and hospitality of New Orleans, and connect with the community they proudly serve.
The USO of Louisiana and Mississippi will play a leading role in welcoming these service members and ensuring they have a memorable and meaningful experience during their visit.
Fleet Week is expected to be one of the largest military community engagement events hosted in New Orleans in many years, and the USO will host several major events designed to support and celebrate the visiting crews.
To help make this possible, we are building a team of enthusiastic volunteers from across the New Orleans community to support a series of special USO-hosted events and programs throughout the week.
These efforts are designed to deliver what we like to call “a big New Orleans hug” to the men and women who serve our nation.
Interested in Helping Plan These Events?
Interested in helping shape these events before Fleet Week begins?
The USO is also recruiting a small group of volunteers to assist with event planning and coordination in the weeks leading up to Fleet Week. Individuals with experience in event planning, project management, hospitality, marketing, logistics, or community engagement are especially encouraged to explore that opportunity.
If this type of role interests you, please see our separate listing for the USO Fleet Week Event Planning and Development Team.
What Volunteers Will Help Support
Throughout Fleet Week, the USO will host and support several major initiatives designed to welcome and support visiting service members.
Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with:
Fleet Week Welcome Celebration
Helping welcome arriving Sailors and Marines as their ships arrive in New Orleans with a large pier-side reception celebrating their arrival in the Crescent City.
USO Fleet Week Support Center
Supporting a temporary USO hospitality center operating daily during Fleet Week where service members can relax, recharge, enjoy refreshments, and connect with the community.
Comedy Night for the Troops
Helping support a special evening of entertainment designed to give visiting crews a memorable night out in New Orleans.
Fleet Week Concert Event
Supporting event operations for a large morale-building concert celebrating visiting service members and the partnership between our military and the New Orleans community.
Additional Fleet Week Activities
Assisting with a variety of event logistics and support activities throughout the week to ensure visiting service members have a positive and memorable experience.
Volunteer Roles May Include
Volunteers may assist with a variety of roles depending on the event and operational needs, including:
• Greeting and welcoming visiting service members
• Assisting with event setup and coordination
• Supporting hospitality areas and refreshments
• Helping manage guest flow and check-in areas
• Supporting logistics and event operations
• Assisting with event breakdown and cleanup
• Helping maintain a welcoming and positive environment for our guests
No prior experience is required—just a positive attitude and a desire to support our military.
Volunteer Dates
Volunteer opportunities will take place during May 27 – June 1, 2026, during Fleet Week New Orleans.
Volunteer shifts will be available across multiple events and activities throughout the week. Specific schedules and assignments will be coordinated with those who express interest.
Individuals, small teams, and corporate volunteer groups are all welcome.
Why This Matters
For many of the service members visiting New Orleans during Fleet Week, this port visit represents a rare opportunity to step away from the demanding pace of military service and experience the appreciation of the American people.
Some of these Sailors and Marines may have spent months at sea. Others may soon deploy again around the world.
Moments like this matter more than most people realize. A warm welcome, a shared meal, or a simple conversation with a supportive community can leave a lasting impression long after their ships depart.
By volunteering with the USO during Fleet Week, you will play a direct role in helping ensure these men and women feel welcomed, supported, and appreciated during their time in our city.
Join the Mission
Fleet Week is one of the most exciting civic celebrations New Orleans will host in 2026, and the USO is proud to help ensure the visiting service members receive the warm welcome they deserve.
We invite you to join us in supporting those who serve our nation.
If you have ever wanted a meaningful way to say “thank you” to the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform, this is your opportunity.
Together, we can ensure that every Sailor, Marine, and Coast Guardsman who visits New Orleans leaves with an unforgettable memory of the city and the community that welcomed them.
