Washington State Honors Sea Services

OLYMPIA, Wash. (NNS) -- The state of Washington honored the Navy and the Coast Guard as part of Sea Services Day in Olympia, Wash., March 20.

Government officials convened a special recognition proclamation for service members in the Senate and the House chambers to honor both services.

To kick off the event, Navy Band Northwest's five-piece brass quintet played the national anthem while Musician 2nd Class Stephanie Brainard sang.

After opening remarks from the president of the Senate, Rear Adm. Mark Rich, commander, Navy Region Northwest, and Rear Adm. Dietrich H. Kuhlmann, commander, Submarine Group 9, addressed the Senate thanking them for their support and the support of Washington as a whole.

"There is a long standing, symbiotic relationship between America's sea services and Washington State, and I can think of no better testament to that than something I experienced yesterday when I attended a memorial service for the three naval aviators who lost their lives in an EA-6B crash on March 11," said Rich. "To see the outpouring of support from that community, the overwhelming majority of whom had never met these examples of America's finest, was simply remarkable and a great reminder of why this remains the Navy's best homeport."

Former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro, coordinator of Sea Services Day, said this annual event is to help the state and federal officials connect with the military leaders from around the region.

"We wanted to make sure that the leaders of the military and of Washington state are familiar with each other, so issues can easily be dealt with and to help build a trust amongst the leaders," said Munro.

Navy officials had the opportunity to tour the Legislative Building and visit both the Senate Caucus and the House of Representatives Caucus, where they fielded questions from state officials.

"I thank you for the recognition and for your furthering of that relationship by today's event, and especially for the support you give to the sea services," said Rich.

The Navy's presence in the Puget Sound area began more than 150 years ago and is now home to the Navy's third-largest fleet concentration area.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw.