The “Rock and Roll Capital of the World” is saying its farewells to the many Sailors it has come to know as the Navy Week celebration comes to an end, Sept. 2.

More than 100 Sailors made their way to Cleveland this week to participate in dozens of events across the city, including a demonstration of capabilities from the Navy divers, 11 free concerts by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, visits to youth centers and non-profits and industries and universities.

"The reasons for these Navy Weeks are to create awareness by giving the local community a peek behind the curtain and see what real life Navy men and women really do,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Alex Vasquez of Navy Recruiting station, Cleveland. “Many communities are not situated near a military installation, so these events bring the Navy to them."

Some of the highlights from the week included the Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, accepting the city proclamation from the Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and the Honorable Thomas B. Modly, Under Secretary of the Navy, throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the 'Navy Night' celebration with the Cleveland Indians. The week wrapped up by wooing the crowd with an air show featuring the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron "Blue Angels" and fellow members of the military at the Burke Lakefront Airport near downtown Cleveland.

“We're so excited to be here to perform for the thousands of incredible people here at the Cleveland Air Show,” said Blue Angel’s Senior Mechanic, Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Pedro Gonzalez. “The reason why we are here is to promote the Navy's mission and demonstrate naval capabilities to Americans who live in cities that do not have a substantial naval presence.”

Navy veteran Richard Hewgley was overcome with nostalgia while watching the show with his grandchildren.

"I guess you would have to say I like the fighter the best, the attack fighters because that's what I was, a fighter pilot," said Hewgley. "And the uniform. I really like those uniforms. I still have my uniform, but it's history, it doesn’t fit anymore, but this, this is now and I get to share with my grandkids and show them how great the Navy is.”

Justin McLain drove from Lancaster to check out the show. His two young boys enjoyed watching the jets flip and spin around in the air.

"They're just impressed by the scale of some of these planes, some of the jet fighters and just how cool they look in real life, not just in video games or online," McLain said. “This is their first-time seeing service members in the flesh and it has definitely made an impression on them.”

Navy weeks are designed to increase awareness of the Navy's mission and capabilities by showing Americans who live in cities that do not have a significant naval presence the resources and skills of the Navy. During the week Sailors also have an opportunity to give back to the myriad communities that support them by providing manpower to local charitable outreach efforts. 

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