For more than 300 years, the military has had a strong history in the city of San Antonio, earning the nickname "Military City USA." As part of that military tradition, San Antonio will host Navy Week Feb. 19-25, beginning with a kickoff event at the Alamo.

"The Navy is excited to have the opportunity to visit and share our mission with San Antonio, Military City U.S.A., during their Tricentennial Celebration," said Lt. j.g. Mack Jamieson, lead planner for San Antonio Navy Week. "This city has been a strong and consistent advocate for the military and we look forward to showing them what the U.S. Navy is all about."

Vice Adm. Luke M. McCollum, a native of Stephenville, Texas and Chief of Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Babette "Bette" Bolivar, Commander Navy Region Southeast, will meet with corporate, civic and government leaders throughout the week.

Historically, Navy Week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between sailors and local residents.

"The San Antonio Tricentennial Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate all of our military branches throughout the year," said Retired Brig. Gen. Juan Ayala, the military liaison for the city. "The San Antonio region is immensely lucky to be home to a large number of Navy active duty, veterans and retirees who contribute to the historical, social and economic fabric of this community."

"We're excited to have Navy Week here to help kick off our festivities and show the country why San Antonio is Military City U.S.A.," said Ayala. "This is going to be a great week and I look forward to seeing all the attractions our Navy is bringing to town."

Sailors from USS Constitution and USS San Antonio will attend the kickoff event, and participate in several community outreach events, including visits to local schools and the Children's Hospital of San Antonio. They will also contribute to a Habitat for Humanity build.

Navy Band Southeast will perform at the kickoff and is scheduled to perform at schools and other locations throughout the city. The band will be featured at the San Antonio Rodeo.

"It is an honor to be able to represent the world's finest Navy at a city with a great military history like San Antonio," said Senior Chief Navy Musician David Bogart. "We look forward to interacting with the people of the city and providing the sound track for this incredible week."

In addition, Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 will participate in events throughout the week, including speaking engagements and demonstrations with local Girl Scouts, YMCA's, elementary students, and events with local news media.

Navy Recruiting District San Antonio and Navy Operational Support Center will also host several community relations events and volunteer opportunities.

San Antonio Navy Week is the first of 14 Navy weeks in 2018 that focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

For a complete schedule and more information about San Antonio Navy Week, visit www.outreach.navy.mil.

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