Since its inception in 2005, the Navy Week program has visited more than 95 markets across the United States, including five prior visits to Milwaukee, most recently in 2023. This year’s Navy Week holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, marking a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security, and global leadership.

“From securing shipping lanes to deterring threats across the globe, the U.S. Navy has safeguarded our freedoms for two-and-a-half centuries,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Ninety percent of global trade moves by sea, and the Navy ensures goods, energy, and critical resources reach American businesses and families. Navy Weeks bring the fleet to communities that may not see or interact with the Navy every day, giving Americans the chance to meet the Sailors who stand watch 24/7—from the depths of the ocean to space, cyberspace, and beyond. We’re excited to bring this experience to Milwaukee and connect the community with the Navy’s essential role in defending our way of life.”

Rear Adm. Matthew Pottenburgh, commander, Naval Service Training Command, will be among the Navy’s senior leaders attending Milwaukee Navy Week. Throughout the week, he will be meeting with a variety of organizations to include the Chamber of Commerce, Port of Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. His visit to the area highlights the strong connections between the Navy and the Milwaukee community. 

While in Milwaukee, Sailors will participate in community service projects with organizations such as Revitalize Milwaukee, Hunger Task Force Farm, and Ronald McDonald House. They will also engage with youth in summer programs with the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Journey House, and Running Rebels, and visit with students at Hamilton High School. The Navy Band will perform live at venues across the city, bringing Navy pride and energy to Milwaukee residents. Milwaukee Navy Week will also include a city proclamation with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at the War Memorial, July 17 at 2 p.m., to officially recognize Navy Week, honor and welcome home Vietnam veterans, and highlight the Navy’s contributions to the nation.

More than 50 Sailors will take part in Milwaukee Navy Week, connecting with the community and sharing their experiences serving in the fleet.

One of those Sailors is Lt. Lanika Vann, a native of Milwaukee, who now serves as a cryptologic warfare officer at Naval Information Warfare Training Group San Diego. “Participating in Navy Week is important to me because it’s a chance to connect with my community and share the realities and opportunities of Navy life,” said Vann. “Coming from Milwaukee, I know firsthand how important it is to have role models who show that you can overcome challenges and succeed. Navy Week lets me inspire others, especially young people who might not have considered the Navy before and helps me give back by representing the values and strength of our service. It’s also a meaningful way to honor my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

Milwaukee Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2025, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people -- about half the U.S. population.

Media organizations wishing to cover Milwaukee Navy Week events should contact Lt. j.g. Jordyn Diomede at (901) 232-4450 or via email at jordyn.s.diomede.mil@us.navy.mil.

Join us at one of our top events, or visit https://outreach.navy.mil/ for the week’s full schedule:

• July 12, 2-6 p.m.: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals
• July 15, 8-9 a.m.: Veterans Breakfast at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center
• July 15, 5-7 p.m.: Rainbow Summer Event at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Lawn
• July 16, 12-1 p.m.: Heart(beats) of the City with Navy Band Great Lakes at Red Arrow Park
• July 16, 5-7 p.m.: Navy Band Great Lakes performance at the Mequon Market
• July 16, 5-8 p.m.: Navy Night – Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Chicago Dogs
• July 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Betty Brinn’s Children Museum
• July 17, 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.: Navy Band Great Lakes performance at Bastille Days
• July 17, 2-3 p.m.: Milwaukee Navy Week Proclamation Ceremony and Vietnam Veteran recognition at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• July 17, 4-6 p.m.: Music in the Garden performance by Navy Band Great Lakes at the War Memorial
• July 17, 5-9 p.m.: Harley Davidson Bike Nights
• July 18, 12-1 p.m.: Civil War Museum History Presentation
• July 18, 2:45-3:45 p.m.: Navy Band Great Lakes performance at Bastille Days
• July 18, 6-7 p.m.: National Anthem performance at the Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Cleburne Railroaders game
• July 19 & 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Enjoy Navy virtual reality experiences at “The Strike Group” trailer, a variety of Navy displays, and performances by the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show 

Media Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YqyujNAk4snsOBH6idOg14QZ2jJLhGFO

Stories featuring Sailors from the Milwaukee area:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jack Harris

https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/07/neosho-native-returns-to-wisconsin-for.html

Petty Officer 2nd Class Eddreena Tuggles

https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/07/messmer-high-school-alum-returns-home.html

Lt. Timothy Duffy

https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/07/milwaukee-native-returns-home-for-navy.html

Lt. Lanika Vann

https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/07/milwaukee-native-returns-home-for-navy_2.html

Cmdr. Sarah Huley

https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/07/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee-alum.html

For a list of public events, visit Navy Outreach | Navy Weeks 2025 | Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Follow Navy Outreach on social media:

• Instagram: @navy.outreach
• Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn: @navyoutreach
• #NavyWeek

About Navy Week:

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has brought the Navy’s mission, people, and capabilities to hundreds of communities nationwide, inspiring new generations and strengthening the bonds between the Navy and the American people.