The Norfolk Tides held the 11th Annual Navy Night at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Aug. 11, to honor the men and women of the U.S. Navy.

Navy Night began with introductions of Naval leadership from around the region. Naval Station Norfolk Color Guard presented the colors and the National Anthem was performed by Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Kiara Romero of Naval Information Warfare Training Group (NIWTG).

“I felt honored to sing the National Anthem,” said Romero. “It was an awesome opportunity to represent the Navy at Navy Night.”

The opening pitches were thrown simultaneously by Operations Specialist 2nd Class Laquan Thompson, guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58); Quartermaster 3rd Class Melinda Dennis, the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command Junior Sailor of the Year; and Hunter Smith, a Gold Star family member.

Hunter Smith is the son of Electronics Technician 1st Class Lloyd Smith, who passed away while serving on active duty following a battle with cancer. It has been Hunter’s goal to throw an opening pitch at a baseball game to remember his dad after watching him throw out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game.

As part of the opening ceremony, Rear Adm. Chip Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, administered the oath of enlistment to seven future Sailors from the local recruiting district by having them raise their right hand and recite the oath of enlistment.

“Seeing the swear-in ceremony and our booth at the Tides really motivates people to join and serve the Navy,” said Engineman 1st Class Janceley Acostalucen, a Navy Recruiter. “You have active duty, retired and civilians all in one place. It really helps build pride in service.”

Once the opening ceremony was complete, Sailors and members of the community were able to watch the game and visit static displays set up by the Stewards of the Sea Program, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Fleet and Family Support Center, The Flagship newspaper, Naval Station Norfolk, Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Naval Information Forces Command.

“Navy Night encourages Sailors to be more involved and makes them proud to serve their country,” said Romaro. “It also displays the Navy in a positive light by celebrating the hard work that all Sailors past and present have endured for our country.”

The Norfolk Tides were unable to answer the Columbus Clippers’ ten runs. The game ended with the Clippers winning 10-2, tying them with the Tides for a wild card slot in the International League playoffs.
 

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