Event Planning & Development Team

Fleet Week New Orleans – USO Event Planning & Development Team

In May 2026, New Orleans will host one of the nation’s most significant military celebrations as part of Fleet Week New Orleans and Sail 250, the national commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and partner-nation service members will visit New Orleans aboard U.S. Navy and allied ships. For many of these service members, this port visit will be their first opportunity to experience the city, its culture, and the hospitality of the Gulf South. The USO of Louisiana and Mississippi is leading several major initiatives designed to ensure these visiting service members receive a truly unforgettable welcome from the people of New Orleans. These efforts include a large pier‑side welcome celebration, a dedicated USO support and comfort center operating throughout the week, and several morale‑building events designed to give the visiting crews an authentic Louisiana experience. To help bring these initiatives to life, the USO is seeking a small group of motivated volunteers to join the USO Fleet Week Event Planning and Development Team. This team will work alongside USO leadership to help coordinate and support the planning and execution of several major Fleet Week initiatives that will serve thousands of visiting service members throughout the week.

Key USO Fleet Week Initiatives

Fleet Week Welcome Celebration – a large pier‑side reception welcoming service members to New Orleans as their ships arrive in port
USO Fleet Week Support Center – a purpose‑built hospitality and support center operating daily to provide a welcoming place for service members to relax, recharge, and connect with the community
Comedy Night for the Troops – a special evening of entertainment designed to give visiting crews a memorable night out in New Orleans
Fleet Week Concert Event – a large morale‑building concert event celebrating the visiting service members and the partnership between the military and the local community
Additional morale and community engagement activities throughout the week

Volunteer Planning Team Roles

Event planning and logistics coordination
Volunteer coordination and organization
Hospitality and community partner outreach
Vendor coordination and event support planning
Communications and marketing support
Sponsorship and partnership engagement
Event operations planning and preparation

Who Should Consider Volunteering

Event planning or event operations
Project or program management
Hospitality or tourism
Corporate partnerships or community engagement
Marketing and communications
Volunteer coordination
Logistics or operations planning

Volunteer Time Commitment
Planning team volunteers may contribute in a variety of ways depending on availability and interest. Activities may include occasional coordination calls, collaboration with the USO planning team, and assisting with planning tasks in the weeks leading up to Fleet Week. Additional opportunities will also be available for planning volunteers who wish to participate in the execution of Fleet Week events from May 27 – June 1, 2026.

Why This Matters
For the service members visiting New Orleans during Fleet Week, these events represent far more than entertainment. For many, this will be a rare opportunity to relax, connect with a supportive community, and experience the appreciation of the American people. By volunteering with the USO Fleet Week Planning Team, 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 Us
This is a unique opportunity to help deliver one of the most meaningful community events taking place in New Orleans in 2026 while supporting the service members who protect our nation. We invite you to join the USO and the New Orleans community in helping make Fleet Week an unforgettable experience for those who serve.

Jason Burkett
504.296.2246