Sailors assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band, are joining more than a thousand international military and civilian musicians and dancers to perform in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 4-26, 2017.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcases music, dance, and displays from around the world and is performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. In addition to providing a unique venue for spectators to observe what is referred to by some as "one of the greatest shows on earth," the event gives the multi-national performers an opportunity to learn about each other's cultures.

While the performances allow the members of the CNE Band to showcase their impressive skills as military musicians, the cross-cultural musical exchange serves the greater purpose of enabling enduring relationships throughout the region and abroad.

CNE Band director Lt. Cmdr. Charles White said the experience of participating in the Tattoo will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of his career. White said he is looking forward to one evening performance in particular. White's commander, Adm. Michelle J. Howard, the U.S. Navy admiral who commands Naval Forces throughout Europe and Africa, as well as Allied Joint Force Command Naples, is scheduled to attend the Tattoo later this month.

"I am delighted that our Navy Band is playing at the Edinburgh Tattoo," said Adm. Howard. "These talented Sailors have been phenomenal ambassadors for the Navy and the United States. They just happen to communicate through music. Our presence here reaffirms the bonds we have with a long standing ally, and I am proud to get to show the band off."

"Naval Forces Europe Band is honored to return to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year. Through more than 25 performances we will strengthen enduring relationships and build new ones by sharing the universal language of music," said Lt. Cmdr. Charles White, director of the CNE Band. "We may not all speak the same language, but we communicate through music, simply and from the heart. It is an amazing opportunity for us to represent CNE, NATO and the U.S."

Navy bands are adaptive and mobile, traveling where no Navy ship can reach to represent the Navy and build relationships. While all the military musicians may not speak the same language, they all can understand and play the same music.

The CNE Band is the largest Navy Fleet band, and the only Department of Defense component band that has international partner musicians. Last year alone, the CNE Band performed nearly 250 engagements, reaching more than 35 million people worldwide and using music to bridge distinct cultures around the world.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.