San Juan, Puerto Rico, is scheduled to welcome members of the U.S. Navy for the first time during Puerto Rico Navy Week, April 8-14.

Navy Weeks, coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, are 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 served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at the Navy the nation needs.

Capt. Miguel A. Cubano, commanding officer, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, and San Juan, Puerto Rico native, will share the Navy’s message with local civic organizations, businesses and community groups as the senior Navy executive during the week.

Navy Weeks play a vital role in connecting the American public with a large array of Sailors, assets and equipment. The weeklong event strives to engage with local communities who do not have frequent visibility of the Navy.

“We’re super excited about bringing the Navy back to Puerto Rico,” said Gary Ross, lead planner for Puerto Rico Navy Week.  “This is our first Navy Week outside the Continental U.S. and we couldn’t have picked a better place than Puerto Rico.”

Sailors participating come from a wide range of commands, demonstrating the Navy’s versatility and vitality in protecting and defending America around the world, around the clock.

“During the last few years the U.S. Navy has been vital to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico even after the closing of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads and Naval Activity Sabana Seca,” said Jose Ramiro, command master chief, USS Detroit. “Most recently, we deployed amphibious assault ships, dock landing ships, along with the staff of an Expeditionary Strike Group and Marines from a Marine Expeditionary Unit, to assist in the recovery efforts following hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Additionally, we deployed hundreds of Sailors and civilians onboard the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) to provide medical assistance throughout the island.   Attendees will be able witness some of the capabilities our Navy has to offer as well as getting to know the quality of Sailors and civilian professionals we have performing some of these duties. From musicians, engineers, historians, warfare warriors to senior leadership, the American citizens of Puerto Rico will be able to understand that we are a diverse force, always willing to assist and defend our freedom. They certainly will be able to see that our Navy is more than a job or a career.”

Among those participating will be the Sailors from the oldest American warship, USS Constitution, Navy Band Southeast, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS San Juan, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians and Navy Divers, Naval Research Laboratory scientists and historians from the Navy’s History and Heritage Command.

“Of all the jobs performed in the Navy, musicians are able to connect with people from all ages, nationalities and backgrounds in a unique way,” said Lt. Luslaida Barbosa, U.S. Navy Band Southeast band director.  “Music unifies people; I've seen it over and over again which speaks to the importance of this visit.  I must say that we will not only visit San Juan, but we'll also be in Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto, Cidra, Ponce, Gurabo, Humacao, Ponce and Aguadilla.  It will be a busy week, but I'm sure it will be a positive and rewarding experience not only to the Sailors visiting, but also the people in Puerto Rico.”

Puerto Rico is the fifth of 14 Navy Weeks scheduled in 2019. To see a full schedule of events open to the public, please visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Puerto-Rico/

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