Cleveland Navy Week officially kicked off with a Mayoral proclamation designating the start of Navy Week Cleveland at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument on Public Square in downtown Cleveland, Aug 28.

The proclamation presented by Cleveland’s mayor Frank G. Jackson to Ohio native and Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, who highlighted the close relationship and history between the city of Cleveland and the U.S. Navy.

 “There is a strong linkage between the Navy and the city of Cleveland,” said Faison.  “Whether it is Adm. Kidd, Adm. King or the countless tens of thousands of men and women who wore the cloth of our nation to defend us. Your Navy is on station and on point to be where it matters when it matters.”

The week is jam-packed with dozens of events, including a demonstration of capabilities from the Blue Angels and Navy divers; a 'Navy Night' celebration with the Cleveland Indians; free music concerts by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band; Sailor visits to youth centers and non-profits in an effort to give back to the local community and site visits to industries and universities located throughout the Cleveland metro area.

 “Navy week’s gives people a good sense of what we do by interacting with Sailors creating a bond with between civilian and military personnel,” said USS Ohio (SSGN 726) Sailor, Electronics Technician 3rd Class James Walmsley, a Washington D.C. native.

The purpose of Navy Week is to increase awareness by showcasing the Navy to cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. It also gives local citizens the chance to meet Sailors firsthand and learn about the latest capabilities and opportunities in the U.S. Navy.

“Cleveland is one of those cities that is not on a coast. It is important to actually go out and show people what the men and women of the Navy are defending throughout the world and show people the jobs they do, 24/7,” said USS Ohio (SSGN 726) Sailor, Sonar Technician Seaman Madison Glass, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Historically, Navy Week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a better understanding between Sailors and local residents.

“Navy week allows us to put a face to the people who are actually defending our freedom,” said Tim Dailey, executive director of Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. “To have the crew of the USS Ohio go out and represent the people of Ohio, it puts a face to the people who are out there helping to serve the country.”

Cleveland Navy Week is just one of 14 held across America in 2018 to give area residents an opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand and learn about the Navy's capabilities to help increase awareness in areas that do not have a significant Navy presence.

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