Idaho's capital and most populous city is scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Boise Navy Week, Aug. 22-28, coinciding with the Western Idaho Fair.

Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, commander, Navy Medicine West, will accept a proclamation at the State Capitol from Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter to declare Boise Navy Week. The free event will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 22 with a concert featuring Navy Band Northwest's Ceremonial Band.

During Boise Navy Week, Gillingham will also meet with corporate, civic, education and government leaders throughout the week.

Historically, Navy Week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between Sailors and local residents. The events are designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas that do not have a large naval presence.

"The support from the Boise leadership and local organizations throughout the planning process has been incredible," said Lt. David Carter, lead planner for Boise Navy Week. "This event and its festivities will be the result of an extremely patriotic community welcoming our Sailors into their beautiful city with open arms."

Along with a performance at the kickoff event, Navy Band Northwest will have several other performances throughout the week, including concerts at Idaho Botanical Gardens, Idaho Veterans Home, Boise State University and the Western Idaho Fair.

Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 will also participate in Boise Navy Week. They will have several engaging, dynamic, hands-on displays available for citizens throughout the week, including displays at the state fairgrounds.

"I am honored and excited to be a part of Boise Navy Week," said Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Jason Britz. "EOD is not only found on ships, but we serve on land and with special forces. Navy Week is a perfect opportunity for us to share our unique capabilities."

Sailors from Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Boise will volunteer in the community at different outreach events. The Sailors will be involved with the Idaho Food Bank, beautification projects and local Boys and Girls Clubs.

"NOSC involvement in a Navy Week is critical, especially in non-fleet concentrated areas like Boise," said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Lipps, commanding officer of NOSC Boise. "For most NOSC personnel, this is a once-in-a-career event. It allows us to come together with other commands and be part of the Navy Week, which in turn builds camaraderie amongst the Sailors and a deeper pride for our service in the Navy. After the event, my hope is that people in the community are proud of and proud to have Sailors serving in Boise and throughout Idaho."

Another highlight of the Navy Week will be the United States Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, performing various demonstration jumps. Attendees of the Western Idaho Fair can see a Leap Frogs jump Aug. 26 at approximately 7 p.m., and again Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. during the fair's Armed Services Day.

"Our Sailors are extremely excited to visit Boise and showcase just a small portion of our Navy's capabilities to the American public," said Carter. "The pride and professionalism they'll display is just a snapshot of the larger U.S. Navy force that stands ready daily to carry out our nation's work across the globe."

Boise Navy Week will conclude at the Western Idaho Fair with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) tours, Navy Band performances, EOD demonstrations, and more.

Boise Navy Week is the 11th of 15 Navy Weeks in 2016 that focus a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit http://www.outreach.navy.mil.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.