Mississippians will welcome the U.S. Navy to the Gulf Coast, March 31 - April 8, with units coming from around the country to celebrate the bicentennial of Mississippi statehood and the 75th anniversary of the Seabees.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week's purpose is to share the Navy's story with the people of the community and raise awareness of the Navy, its mission, and its people. To help with this, there are multiple events scheduled throughout the week, including jumps by the Navy Parachute Team The Leapfrogs, static displays of oceanographic systems and underwater drones with Sailors from the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, multiple performances by Navy Band Southeast, and school visits with Sailors from USS Mississippi (SSN 782) and USS Ramage (DDG 61), as well as Naval Construction Group 2.

This year, Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week will be hosted by two senior Navy leaders with connections to the region.

Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command and chief of the Civil Engineer Corps, having been stationed in Gulfport, and Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, currently stationed aboard Stennis Space Center, will serve as flag hosts.

Muilenburg said he was eager to visit a region that holds such a special place in his memory and career.

"It's an honor to be able to come back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for Navy Week." said Muilenburg. "This region has supported our Seabees throughout their history, and the people certainly supported me during my time here. It's always important for the Navy to share our mission with citizens in local communities, but it is a distinct pleasure to share that mission and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Seabees in such a special place."

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, Gallaudet and other local dignitaries will conduct a ceremony with the presentation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week proclamation, April 1, at Centennial Plaza during the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration. This celebration is just one of many ways the state is recognizing the bicentennial of statehood throughout the year.

"It has been a privilege to serve in this great state for the past three years," said Gallaudet, who also served a prior tour in Mississippi earlier in his career. "As the only flag officer stationed in the state of Mississippi, the opportunity to be a part of Navy Week was too good to pass up. This region goes all out to support their service members, and I'm proud to be a part of a week celebrating the relationship the Navy maintains with the Mississippi Gulf Coast."

Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week, the third of 15 Navy Weeks for 2017, will culminate in honoring the 75th anniversary of the "Can Do" men and women of the Naval Construction Force for Seabee Day 2017 at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. The event is open to the public and begins at 9 a.m., April 8. It will include live music, carnival attractions, and a chance for the public to interact with U.S. Navy Sailors.

Join the conversation about Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week using the hashtag #navyweek

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