GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- Western Slope Navy Week, taking place throughout Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, Colorado, came to a close following the Grand Junction Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, July 28.

This is the first-ever iteration of the Western Slope Navy Week. The Navy week program brings Sailors, equipment and displays to about 14 American cities each year for a week of outreach engagements designed for Americans to experience firsthand the Navy the nation needs.

Western Slope Navy Week included a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel for a series of engagements with key influencers and organizations representing all sectors of the market.

“I think that Navy Weeks bring to the towns that don’t have a large military presence, a chance to show them that not only do we go out and go on deployment, and do what we need for the job and the nation, but also that we try to give back as much as we can to those that support us and what we do,” said Lt. Jacob Cook, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117. “It really helps build a good relationship between the Navy and the community. “

Western Slope Navy Week included Senior Navy leadership, Sailors assigned to the city’s namesake ship, USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, Blue Angels, USS Constitution, Navy Band Southwest, U.S. Naval Academy, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, and visits by members of regional Navy Recruiting District.

These entities engaged the public in a variety of ways all throughout the Western Slope. From volunteering to working with local future Sailors and visiting veterans, Navy Week Sailors represented the Navy in all areas of the community. 

Navy Band Southwest provided free concerts throughout the region at local farmers markets, parks and events. They spent time at multiple youth camps and worked with band students during Central High School’s summer band camp.

Colorado Native Rear Adml. Bret Batchelder, senior executive host of the Navy week, administered the oath of enlistment to five future Sailors from Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain.

Among the non-profit organizations the Navy volunteered with were Habitat for Humanity and Meals On Wheels. More than ten Sailors provided roughly 14 hours of community service in support of locals.

The week culminated in the Grand Junction Air Show that attracted viewers from all over Colorado and neighboring states for a Saturday and Sunday show.

“It has been years since I have seen the Blues perform, said Todd Lank, an air show guest. “We couldn’t be more excited for them to be back out here. It was also such a treat to have the Navy out here leading up to the show as well. It really helped increase the excitement as it approached. We love getting the chance to shake hands with and thank the people serving our country.”

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.