The Bluff City is scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Memphis Navy Week May 8-14, coinciding with the Memphis Air Show and Naval Support Activity Mid-South's Centennial.

The week will kick off at the Pink Palace Museum on Monday where Rear Adm. Richard Brown, commander Navy Personnel Command and Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel, will accept mayoral proclamations while U.S. Fleet Forces Band Brass Quintet plays for visitors. USS Constitution Sailors and Navy Divers will also be in attendance.

Brown will be the flag host during Memphis Navy Week and will meet with corporate, civic, education and government leaders throughout the week in order to increase awareness of the Navy, its mission, and the importance of the Navy to the people of Memphis.

"The U.S. Navy has played a historic role in the success of Shelby County," said Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., Shelby County Mayor. "The mottos, ever strong and not for self but for country, have been demonstrated through the years by personnel at the Millington Navy Base and those who currently serve at the Naval Support Activity. We are very fortunate for the dedication and commitment of the Navy's personnel in our community."
Historically, Navy Week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between Sailors and local residents. The events are designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas which do not have a large naval presence.

Citizens of Memphis will have several opportunities to interact with Sailors during the week including live band performances at the Center for Southern Folklore, W.C. Handy Park, a Memphis Redbirds game and at the Memphis Air Show.

"The band's participation in Navy Weeks allows us to bring the Navy home to areas of our great nation that do not have a naval presence," said Chief Musician Steven Pendell, U.S. Fleet Forces Band. "Our musicians entertain and connect with members of the community. We display the Navy's core values in action and create a bridge between Memphis and the fleet. We are looking forward to a week of great performances for the wonderful people of Memphis. We are always excited to meet community members and experience the culture of Memphis. A couple of our members are originally from the Mid-South, and they are excited to bring their Navy home."

Additionally, Sailors from the USS Constitution will be visiting local schools to educate students about America's oldest warship afloat. Sailors from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee will also be visiting the city where they will participate in the Peabody Duck Walk Friday, May 12. They will interact with the community at local schools and YMCA events as well as attend a Memphis Redbirds game.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians from EOD Group 2 will provide engaging, dynamic hands-on displays available to the community throughout the week.

Navy Divers will be diving in the aquarium at the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid on Saturday for Navy Day. Visitors can attend Navy Day where several Navy personnel will be speaking to visitors and members of the Memphis community.

Memphis Navy Week will conclude with the Memphis Airshow at the Millington Airport, Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return for the airshow along with the U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, the Leap Frogs. The Leap Frogs are also scheduled to jump into the Memphis Redbirds game at Auto Zone Park on Friday, May 12.

Memphis Navy Week is the fourth of 15 Navy Weeks in 2017 which 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 full schedule of events visit outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Memphis.

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