I toured the USS Arlington, an active US Navy warship. Here are the photos I was allowed to take.

As a resident of New York City, I'm used to walking through Hell's Kitchen and seeing an enormous warship floating in the Hudson River at the Intrepid Museum.This time, however, it had company.New York City hosted what organizers billed as "the largest maritime gathering in US history" on July 4, in honor of America's 250th anniversary, with visiting naval ships from around the world opening their gangways to the public.One of the most prominent vessels featured was USS Arlington, a 684-foot-long US Navy amphibious transport dock. I climbed aboard for a firsthand look at the ship, its weaponry, and the vehicles it carries.Take a look inside.

My tour of the USS Arlington started with a security screening at the entrance to Pier 88 in New York City, where the ship was docked.

A security notice outside Pier 88 in New York City.

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Posted signs notified visitors that the pier was operating at MARSEC Level 1, the Coast Guard's baseline Maritime Security Level.