Citizens of Helena have a better understanding of the Navy and its role in preserving the nation's security and prosperity after two days of engagements and outreach April 30 and May 1.

Rear Adm. James McNeal, commander, Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Global Logistics Support (GLS), spent two days in Helena meeting with government officials, civic groups, and students.

His visit was in support of Navy efforts to reach U.S. markets that do not have a significant everyday Navy presence -- to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

"Because the Navy is concentrated along our coasts, a vast majority of middle America doesn't get the chance to interact with the Navy," said McNeal. "It's crucial that we build trust and confidence and educate the American public about their Navy's capability and importance. We want America to know that their U.S. Navy is deployed around the world, around the clock, protecting and defending America on the world's oceans, and the U.S. Navy is ready to defend America at all times."

The admiral's itinerary included a meeting with Helena Mayor, James Smith, lunch with members of the Rotary Club of Helena, a call-in interview with radio station KCAP-AM 950, and a discussion with Helena Public Schools Superintendent Ken Kultgen and members of his staff on the critical importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education for our nation's youth.

McNeal, who is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, also met with fellow U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Helena City Commissioner Dan Ellison and four Helena High School seniors selected for admission to U.S. military academies in the fall, and their parents. He both congratulated them and their selection and prepared them for life at the service academies. McNeal also fielded questions from high school juniors hoping to attend either the U.S. Naval Academy or one of the other prestigious military academies.

During pinnacle public event of his trip, McNeal spoke at the Veteran's Honoring Ceremony at the Veteran's Administration (VA) Medical Center Parade Field on Fort Harrison, May 1. The ceremony honored area veterans and culminated the weeklong annual Tribal Veterans Representative Training Conference hosted by the U.S. Navy Reserve and VA to inform leaders of American Indian nations from across the U.S. of veterans' benefits and policy changes.

"Montana has a rich history of important contributions to the Navy, our mission, and to our nation's security," McNeal said. "More than 1,300 current active duty Navy personnel, 100 Navy reservists and 1,800 Navy retirees call Montana home. Four U.S. Navy ships have proudly borne the name USS Helena in honor of this great city."

The first USS Helena was the gunboat that saw action in Cuban waters during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The second was a light cruiser, which served during World War II. The third ship to carry the Helena name was a heavy cruiser purchased with war bonds raised in Montana in 1944 and saw combat service in Korea. The fourth and newest "Helena," USS Helena (SSN 725), is a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine. She was commissioned in 1987 and is now homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, where she serves as a potent part of America's defense capability.

This trip and other valuable exchanges between communities and Navy senior leadership is made possible through a program called Executive Engagement Visits (EEVs) led by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) in Millington, Tennessee. EEVs employ U.S. Navy flag officers and Department of the Navy Senior Executive Service civilians to conduct outreach engagements in U.S. cities. NAVCO coordinates engagements with corporate executives, government officials, education leaders, civic and business groups, veteran organizations and media across the country to inform, educate and increase Americans' understanding of the Navy. NAVCO brings America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,600 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 110 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.