U.S. Navy to Feature New Virtual Reality Experience During Fleet Week New York

NEW YORK, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- If you've ever wanted to pilot a high-speed assault craft or extract Navy SEALs from enemy territory, you'll get your chance during Fleet Week New York, when the U.S. Navy will feature its new high-tech, virtual reality experience showcasing what it feels like to be part of today's Navy. 

It is a state-of-the-art immersive experience with a virtual reality mission, electronic data capture and digital technology at every touch point. The goal is to transform and elevate the way people think about the Navy, while generating a high-caliber recruit tool.

Take a sneak peek here and then visit the two mobile, virtual reality displays, named the Nimitz and the Burke, during Fleet Week at the following New York-area sites:

Thursday, May 25
Somerset County Vocational High School
14 Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, NJ 08807
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Nimitz will be on site. This event is for students only and not open to the public.

Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, May 28
2017 Beth Page Jones Beach Airshow
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Nimitz will be on site. Navy staff will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors navigate the virtual reality experience.

Thursday, May 25 – Saturday, May 27; Monday, May 29
2017 Fleet Week New York, Pier 885
711 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Burke will be on site. Navy staff will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors navigate the virtual reality experience.

"We are excited to introduce today's Navy experience to the greater New York City area," says Navy Rear Admiral Doug "Woody" Beal, Deputy Commander at Navy Recruiting Command. "This is a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience that will transform and elevate the way people think about the Navy."

So, what happens inside this display? Participants go through a video briefing before strapping on an Oculus Rift headset and a piece of wearable technology called a SubPac (traditionally used by Club DJs) that percusses in real time to the sounds of the mission, such as helicopter blades whirling and live mortar fire. Participants navigate the mission using a cutting-edge steering wheel and throttle system that replicate the actual sensation of piloting a high-speed assault craft while extracting SEALs. Once finished, participants move to the debriefing station, where they receive feedback and a performance grade.

"This display offers users the most realistic Navy experience possible. Virtual reality has allowed the U.S. Navy to come a long way. Where we once were only able to describe these experiences, now we can present the reality of a Navy mission in an interactive way, using the best technology available," continues Beal.

"It's a new opportunity to demonstrate how the Navy helps develop and deploy the most technologically advanced equipment in the world," says Captain David W. Bouve, National Director of Navy Marketing and Advertising at Navy Recruiting Command. "To reach a high-caliber pool of recruiting prospects, we need high-caliber recruiting tools, and this display is truly state-of-the-art."

The Navy's virtual reality experience travels next to Portland, OR for the Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week, where it will be open to the public June 9 - 12.

For more information about America's Navy, please visit www.navy.com, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

About America's Navy

In the world today, America's Navy is a necessary force and uncommon opportunity. There, to protect our country and to deter threats around the globe. There, to provide a challenging and rewarding future for those aspiring to pursue a bigger mission in life. There, as a source of lifelong pride for those who ultimately call themselves Sailors – and as an inspiration to all they serve. It's about being a constant presence. It's about applying cutting-edge equipment and technology. It's about people. And this comes across every day through the selfless service of upstanding men and women; through their responsible use of incredible capabilities; and through the pride, purpose and professionalism present in all they do and have done. See for yourself.

About Fleet Week New York

Fleet Week New York, now in its 29th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

SOURCE U.S. Navy