The U.S. Fleet Forces Brass Band (USFFB) held a concert at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston, West Virginia, to celebrate Charleston Navy Week. The concert was one of several events held throughout the city and one of eight public performances held by USFFB throughout the navy week.

This is the first time the U.S. Navy has held a Navy Week in West Virginia, and was held October 7-13.

“It was a real honor to perform for the people of Charleston,” said Musician 1st Class Antonio Garcia, who is assigned to the USFFB. “It was amazing to see the city come together and support us and it was an honor to be able to give back to the community.”

Charleston was the last of the 14 Navy Weeks scheduled in 2019.

“We don’t see the Navy around here very often,” said Ronald Davis, a Charleston resident who brought his family out to the concert. “We truly enjoyed several of the events that they held throughout the week and we feel extremely blessed that the Navy chose Charleston as a place to hold the Navy Week.”

The mission of the Navy Week program is to raise awareness about what the Navy is doing around the world, while highlighting its many capabilities in communities where there is not a significant Navy presence.

The Navy sent representatives from several commands including Sailors from USS Constitution, Naval History and Heritage Command, USFFB, USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Gold), Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 and the 2019 Ceremonial Guard Drill Team.

“It was incredible to see all the different things the Navy is doing for us in the world today,” said Davis. “I just wish they were here longer so I had more opportunities to thank all of them for everything they are doing for us, protecting our freedom and everything else that comes along with that.”

For more information about Charleston Navy Week, visit http://www.outreach.navy.mil.