Green Bay and the Fox Cities are scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Green Bay and Fox Cities Navy Week, July 24-30, culminating with the EAA AirVenture Airshow.

Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, who serves as the deputy chief, bureau of medicine and surgery, readiness and health, will be the senior flag officer presiding over the Navy Week.

"Navy Week is a tremendous opportunity for members of our Navy to interact with the great men and women who make up this nation," said Gillingham. "I have been able to participate in three Navy Weeks over the past three years and each year I am overwhelmed by the support we receive. This support is motivating and reinforces what a privilege it is for those in the military to serve our nation. Each visit has increased my perspective and awareness of the wonderful things being accomplished in that part of the country and I walk away amazed at the contributions each has made to our armed forces."

During the Navy Week, Gillingham 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.

Among those organizations, Gillingham will address the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

"This visit is a way to showcase the Fox Cities to the Rear Admiral to highlight all of the momentum we have here from business and industry," said Mark Rahmlow, vice president of public policy at the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. "At the same time, it's a great opportunity for the community to learn about the Navy and how they work on behalf of citizens as well as industries around the world."

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 that do not have a large naval presence.

"Our Sailors are extremely excited to visit Green Bay and the Fox Cities and showcase just a small portion of our Navy's capabilities to the American public," said Lt. David Carter, lead planner for the Navy Week and Appleton, Wisconsin native. "The pride and professionalism they'll display is just a snapshot of the larger U.S. Navy force that stands ready daily to carry out our nation's work across the globe."

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will perform during the EAA AirVenture Airshow.

"The Blue Angels are extremely excited to part of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh," said Lt. Joe Hontz, the spokesman for the Blue Angels. "We are looking forward to bringing naval aviation to thousands of fans from all over the world."

Navy Weeks also provide the unique opportunity to bring namesake Sailors back to the cities, further strengthening the connection between the Navy and Navy Week city.

USS Green Bay sailors will be on hand to volunteer in the community and participate in events throughout the week. The Sailors will throw out the first pitch at a Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game, speak to members of the local Kiwanis Club and participate in a Navy Week proclamation ceremony with Green Bay Mayor, Jim Schmitt.

Along with performances to kick off the week, Navy Band Great Lakes will have public performances at the Oshkosh Public Library, Klipstine Park in Ashwaubenon, the Children's Museum of Green Bay and the Brown County Library.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and divers from EOD Group 1 will provide engaging, dynamic, hands-on displays to the community during the week, including presentations at the EAA AirVenture and Boys & Girls clubs throughout the Fox Valley.

"The EOD community represents an extremely small part of the U.S. Navy in terms of numbers, but its mission is essential to our national security," said Lt. j.g. Joshua Werling, an EOD technician. "We are looking forward to being able to showcase to the public the skills and equipment we use to protect personnel and property from explosive threats around the world."

Green Bay/Fox Cities Navy Week is the 8th 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.

"I look forward to meeting the patriotic women and men of Green Bay and the Fox Cities and sharing the role that the Navy plays in protecting our nation's freedom and the maritime security which is crucial to our economic prosperity," said Gillingham.

For a full schedule of events visit http://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Green-Bay-Fox-Cities/

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