The 2016 Navy Week season kicks off with Phoenix Navy Week at the Arizona Science Center March 21 and will run through March 26.

Navy Weeks 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, in cities that don't have a large naval presence.

City leadership of Phoenix will present a proclamation of Phoenix Navy Week to Rear Adm. Yancy Lindsey, commandant, Naval District Washington, during the USS Phoenix (SSN 702) dedication at the Arizona Veterans Home Tuesday morning.

During Navy Week, Lindsey is scheduled to visit various local businesses and meet with local community leaders.

Throughout the Navy Week, there will be a diverse schedule of events with Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 1, USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Constitution, Navy Band Southwest, and Navy Recruiting District Phoenix.

"Our Navy assets are what make the Navy Week successful and interesting," said Ensign Katherine Diener, lead planner for Phoenix Navy Week. "Each Navy Week is unique and we will have events where the public will have the greatest engaging experience and the city will gain the most from meeting with the Sailors."

Events during this Navy Week include EOD and USS Constitution displays and demonstrations, community outreach events and band performances. Members of the ceremonial guard will also conduct presentations during various events including baseball games at Goodyear Ballpark, Camelback Ranch, Sloan Park, Peoria Sports Complex and Salt River Fields.

Additionally, Navy Band Southwest has several scheduled performances during the Navy Week throughout the Phoenix area, many of which are open to the public.

"Navy Week Phoenix is our opportunity to put a face on the incredible effort that is being made every day by Sailors all across the globe," said Musician 3rd Class Adam Smolonsky, Navy Band Southwest. "It is our way of letting people know that we have not forgotten why we serve and that they are the reason so many are willing to sacrifice so much."

Phoenix Navy Week is the first of 15 Navy Weeks in 2016.

For more information about Phoenix Navy Week and to see a list of all the scheduled events, visit www.outreach.navy.mil.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), visit www.navy.mil/.