Texas' capital is scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Austin Navy Week, March 18-24, coinciding with Rodeo Austin.

The week will kick off at the Austin Thinkery on Saturday where USS Constitution Sailors will be interacting with children of all ages, while Navy Band Southwest performs for visitors.

Vice Adm. Raquel C. Bono, director, Defense Health Agency Medical Corps and the host flag officer for Austin Navy Week, will throw the first pitch at the University of Texas Longhorn's baseball game, Sunday, March 19.

"Texas is home to me, and as a graduate of University of Texas at Austin, this is a special homecoming," said Bono. "Navy Week festivities held here in Austin are an absolute thrill, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new colleagues, and thank the citizens of Austin, Texas, for hosting me and the best Navy in the world."

During Austin Navy Week, Bono will meet with corporate, civic, education and government leaders throughout the week in order to increase awareness of the Navy, its mission, and the importance of the Navy to the people of Austin.

Historically, Navy Week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between Sailors and local residents. The events are designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas which do not have a large naval presence.

"We are so excited for Austin Navy Week," said Lt. j.g. Joel Davidson, lead planner for Austin Navy Week. "Having grown up in Austin, it is a dream to have a part in bringing the Navy to my hometown, 16 years later. I am looking forward to having a wonderful time with the great people of Austin, telling our Navy's story."

Navy Weeks provide the unique opportunity to bring hometown Sailors back to the cities where they grew up, further strengthening the connection between the Navy and Navy Week city.

Capt. Cassidy C. Norman, executive officer of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Austin native, Lake Travis High School and University of Texas graduate, will return to his hometown to participate in several Navy Week events including high school visits, speaking with the Rotary of South Austin, swearing in future Sailors at Rodeo Austin and more.

Along with performances to kick off the week, Navy Band Southwest will have daily public performances at Rodeo Austin where the audience can see the Brass Quintet perform a variety of music. The band can also be seen at Thursday's City Council Meeting where other Navy assets will be interacting with the public.

"Navy Weeks and the band performances give us a chance to, along with our shipmates, share the Navy story and show our audiences the different things we do." said Lt. Jane Hoffman, director of Navy Band Southwest. "We will be sharing a variety of music, from classical to New Orleans brass band music and everything in between!"

Additionally, Sailors from fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Austin will be engaged with the community during the week. The Sailors will volunteer with Caritas of Austin, Community First! Village, Central Texas Food Bank, local libraries, and several Boys and Girls Clubs.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and divers from EOD Group 1 will provide engaging, dynamic, hands-on displays available to the community throughout the week, including presentations at the Austin Aquarium, local high schools and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Austin Navy Week is the 2nd of 15 Navy Weeks in 2017 which focus a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

For a full schedule of events visit outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Austin
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