Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Reserve Director Maritime Operations Battle Staff Rear Adm. Mark Fung participated in Roanoke Navy Week, May 15-18.

In addition to receiving an official proclamation, Fung met with leadership from the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and conducted a memorial ceremony at the National D-Day Memorial for all D-Day veterans.

"Participating in Roanoke Navy Week provides a great opportunity to showcase the power projection our naval forces provide," said Fung, who also met with educators to discuss science, technology, engineering and math outreach at Virginia Tech and Roanoke College.

"The world's oceans give the U.S. Navy the power to protect America's interests anywhere, at any time," said Fung. "Presence helps deter potential conflicts, and it avoids escalating the situation when tensions rise. It also gives our nation's leaders the chance to act when needed. Again, being there matters, such as being here to take part in Roanoke Navy Week."

The admiral's visit was part of the national Navy Week outreach initiative to educate local communities on their Navy's current relevance and worldwide capabilities.

Fung reached out to veterans and community members, expressing the Navy's role in American security, global commerce, and future career opportunities.

Navy Weeks exist to share the Navy's story to an area without a significant force presence.

NECC is an enduring war fighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future. C

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.