Springfield, Massachusetts is scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Springfield Navy Week, Sept. 17-23, a week-long series of community outreach events.

Springfield Navy Week will bring sailors from different units across the United States to conduct focused outreach events with members of the community. The Navy week will bring sailors from USS Constitution, Navy Band Northeast, USS Springfield, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team, Explosive Ordnance Group Two, U.S Navy Parachute Team, Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. Naval Academy, Navy Recruiting District New England, and the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.

During Springfield Navy Week, Mr. William R. O’Donnell, Department of the Navy, Assistant for Administration will receive a Navy Week proclamation from Springfield’s Mayor Domenic Sarno. He will also meet with corporate, civic, education and government leaders throughout the week in an effort to increase awareness of the Navy, its mission and the importance of the Navy to the people of Springfield.

The events and special programs that will take place throughout Springfield are the culmination of planning and preparation over many months by the Navy Office of Community Outreach and Springfield community leaders.

 “As with all Navy weeks, we hope to offer the Springfield community an opportunity to see their Navy and foster the relationship between the community and the Navy,” said Gary Ross, lead planner of Springfield Navy Week. “Our ability to come to Springfield with a wide variety of Sailors from different career backgrounds allows us to really educate the people of Springfield on what their Navy does on a daily basis.” 

One major highlight during Springfield Navy Week is the large presence the Navy and its assets will have at the Big “E” State Fair throughout the Navy week. Visitors can expect displays, concerts, etc.

“The explosive ordnance disposal and mobile diving and salvage force is thrilled and honored to be part of Springfield Navy Week and supporting the Big E Festival,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Blake, operations officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2. “Being in the Northeast, Springfield is full of patriotic Americans who may have never seen or interacted with Sailors, let alone explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Navy divers. This Navy week is a great opportunity for the Navy and the EOD/diving force to tell our story to the public.”

Additionally, Wednesday Sept. 19, the Navy Leap Frogs will parachute into Forest Park at 6 p.m. while Navy Band Northeast performs for attendees.

Citizens of Springfield will have several opportunities to interact with sailors during the week including a live band performance at the Springfield Museums, and multiple performances at the Big E.

Springfield Navy Week is the 13th of only 14 Navy weeks in 2018 that focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects.

For more information and a full schedule of events, http://www.outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Springfield/.

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/navyoutreach and www.twitter.com/navyoutreach.

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