It's Raining Sailors

I think that many single women will agree with me when I say that once a year we are given a special gift to reward us for being the fabulous single women we are. This gift, which is 1,000 times better than any Christmas or Birthday gift your Great Aunt Millie will knit for you, is better known as Fleet Week. For one week in May, the streets of New York City become flooded with servicemen (and women) from the US Navy and Marine Corps. It is a tradition that began in 1984, one year before I entered this world and perhaps created just for me, as a way for NYC to honor our servicemen and women. Traditionally speaking, the week features extensive military demonstrations, as well as the opportunity for the public to tour some of the visiting ships. Untraditionally speaking, the week features men in uniform who are literally jumping ship and landing in NYC bars where single women should be waiting to meet and greet these handsome seamen.
This past Fleet Week, some friends and I decided to rent a hotel room near Times Square to enjoy the festivities to the fullest. That Friday night, we got all dolled up and hit the streets trolling for men in uniform. Lucky for the four of us, there was no shortage of America’s toughest and bravest men trolling those same streets. We entered the first bar we came across and instantly found ourselves in the middle of uniform-central and became giddier than school girls when we were immediately approached by a group of sailors. Even better, these weren’t just any sailors, these were US Navy Captains, the kind that were saluted by petty officers as we marched down the street with them. After many drinks and an unavoidable act of service to my country, I learned a few things that I’d like to share with all future Fleet Week visitors.
Rule #1 - do not be fooled by Sex and the City's take on Fleet Week. There is no such thing as a Navy party and the uniformed hotties are scattered throughout the city, not congregated in one designated bar or club. Think of it as a scavenger hunt with an unparalleled prize at the end. Side note - I must agree with Samantha Jones who called Fleet Week her favorite holiday!
Rule #2 – dress as girly as possible. These men are cooped up on ships that are wall-to-wall with men and by the time their ships dock, they are eager to visit bars that are wall-to-wall with single women.
Rule #3 – refrain from all topics of a serious nature and be as carefree and fun-loving as possible. Remember these men are looking for one thing, FUN.
Rule #4 – be picky. Don’t settle for the first group that you land upon. There will be 1,000’s of hot uniformed men to choose from during Fleet Week.
Most importantly is Rule #5 – depending on the level of fun you’re looking for, book your hotel room in advance. I think NYC is looking to cash-in on acts of service to our country and jack up the prices of hotel rooms during Fleet Week.