Eleven ships from six countries congregated in New Orleans on Tuesday, April 17, to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Residents of New Orleans as well as visitors will be able to go on a tour of the ships. The ships, which are currently moored at several piers along the east bank, include the following: the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, the destroyer USS Mitscher the frigate USS De Wert, FS Germinal from France, HMS Montrose from Great Britain and HMCS St. John’s from Canada. Tall ships Dewaruci from Indonesia and BAE Guayas from Ecuador are also participating.

Commemorating the War of 1812 allows Sailors and Marines to spread awareness and information about the U.S. Navy about the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard and the role that they play in the country’s defense.

Capt. Gary M. Boardman, USS Wasp’s commanding officer, shared: “This opportunity to visit the historic city of New Orleans for the Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812 is a once in a lifetime experience for Wasp and the crew… Wasp is a first-rate command, and I couldn’t be more proud of my ship and crew to be selected for such an event.”

Boardman shared further: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to tell their story, and the story of the sea services… I would like my Sailors to reflect back on what we as a Navy accomplished back in 1812 and look at how far we have come.”