Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson read a proclamation declaring Feb. 27-March 5, Navy Week, signifying the official kick off of the week-long celebration in the “Port City,” the first of 14 Navy Weeks scheduled this year.

Mobile Navy Week runs coincides with the city’s Mardi Gras events, and is designed to give area residents an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people and its importance to national security and prosperity.

“We are so honored to be chosen again as one of the Navy Week locations,” said Stimpson. “Navy week brings a lot of excitement to our city. It gives an opportunity for the Mobilians to show the support that we have to all of the armed services.”

Mobile Navy Week will focus a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel throughout the city during the event, conducting nearly 100 engagements with key influencers and organizations representing all sectors of the market.

During the week, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) will be arriving and open for tours through early next week.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for the Navy to get involved with the community,” said Command Master Chief Antonio D. Perryman, CMC for Program Executive of Ships and SEA 21 (TEAM SHIPS), and also a native of Mobile. “We want the community to understand what it is that we do, but at the same time we want Sailors to engage the community and come together to show support for our country.”

During this event, the Navy will feature Senior Navy Leadership, USS James E. Williams, Sailors from USS Constitution, Navy Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, Navy Band performances, Navy Oceanography/Meteorology Sailors and scientists, and Navy History and Heritage Command historians and displays.

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 220 Navy Weeks have been held in 76 different U.S. cities.

For more information about Navy Week, visit http://www.outreach.navy.mil/, or follow the hashtag #NavyWeek.

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For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit www.navy.mil/.