Which U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships will be available for Houston’s first Fleet Week

Fleet Week Houston set for April 15–22, 2026 after postponement from 2025

Houston’s inaugural Fleet Week is scheduled for April 15–22, 2026, bringing active-duty U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels to Port Houston for public tours and a week of military-community events. The celebration was originally planned for November 5–12, 2025, but was rescheduled after a federal government shutdown created planning and operational obstacles for participating military units.

Organizers have confirmed that the event is expected to include three U.S. Navy vessels, alongside Coast Guard participation, and more than 1,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen across the region’s planned activities. While public interest has focused on which hulls will be in port, official event materials indicate that ship-specific details and tour logistics are being finalized and will be released closer to the start of Fleet Week.

What is known about the ships: venues are identified, names are not yet fully published

Port Houston has identified two terminals where visiting vessels will be berthed for tours:

• Turning Basin Terminal, which is expected to host Navy and Coast Guard vessels for public access.

• Bayport Container Terminal, designated as the location for one of the visiting vessels.

This split-site plan indicates multiple ships will be available to tour across different parts of the port complex, rather than being clustered at a single public pier.

Tour access: free entry, advance registration, and screening requirements

Ship tours are planned to be free, but Port Houston is requiring advance sign-ups. Adults will need a government-issued photo ID to enter tour areas and board Navy vessels. Non-U.S. citizens will be required to present a passport and undergo additional screening. Organizers have also set baseline safety and accessibility restrictions common to active-duty ship visits, including a minimum age requirement of 5, limits on strollers and pets, and the expectation that visitors can navigate ladders and tight passageways without assistance.

USS Mustin referenced in Fleet Week materials, but not confirmed as a visiting ship for Houston

Fleet Week Houston communications have previously used imagery and references tied to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), which has been highlighted in connection with the postponed 2025 planning cycle. However, the ship’s operational assignments can change, and the Navy announced in March 2026 that USS Mustin would forward deploy to Yokosuka, Japan as part of a scheduled rotation. As of mid-March 2026, there is no finalized public roster confirming USS Mustin or identifying all visiting ships for the April 2026 Houston event.

Key takeaway for readers: Fleet Week Houston is confirmed for April 15–22, 2026 with Navy and Coast Guard ship tours at two Port Houston terminals, but the official ship list has not yet been fully released.

Organizers say additional updates, including details on specific ships and tour instructions, will be published as the event approaches.