Various Navy entities visited the Fruita Rimrock Rodeo to engage the public, teach the community about the Navy’s mission and view the event as part of Western Slope Navy Week, July 23.

The Navy presence included Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, senior executive host of the week and Director of Maritime Operations, United States Fleet Forces Command, Navy Band Southwest, a special warfare representative, Sailors from the USS Constitution and Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Rocky Mountain.

Rimrock Rodeo takes place every Tuesday and includes events like roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc, bull riding and mutton busting.

“I think what’s happening here is really cool,” said Gypsy Fisher, a Rimrock Rodeo rider. “The Navy is a big part of our country and the way that we defend it. It is a proud tradition of our American history just like rodeos are a proud tradition around here. It's so neat to be able to combine the two and have the Sailors come out and see what we do while we get to learn about them.”

To kick off the main event, Navy Band Southwest played the National Anthem, to which the Color Guard from USS Constitution paraded the colors.

 “I’m really excited to be opening up for the rodeo tonight,” said Musician 2nd Class Nina Church, a member of Navy Band Southwest. “It’s a great opportunity for us to play the National Anthem and really showcase what the Navy band does, as well as the Navy as a whole, to all the people here in Fruita.”

NTAG Rocky Mountain set up a booth equipped with recruiting information and a static display of a Desert Patrol Vehicle (VPD). This allowed the public to approach and engage with Navy representatives, and learn what it is the Navy does.

“Being out in public at events like this is what makes it worthwhile to be a recruiter,” said Chief Navy Career Counselor Jeff Hood, a recruiter with NTAG Rocky Mountain. “It’s getting to see people and the faces of little kids that are inspired by you. Occasionally you even get to change the life of somebody."

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy's principal outreach effort in the areas of the country without a significant naval presence. More than 210 Navy Weeks have been held in 74 different U.S. cities.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Western-Slope/

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