Indiana's capital will host the world's largest Navy during Indianapolis Navy Week, Aug. 10-16.

Navy weeks 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.

The events and special programs to take place throughout Indianapolis are the culmination of planning and preparation over many months by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, multiple Navy assets and Indianapolis community leaders.

"The Navy week planning process starts about six months in advance. It's important to reach out as early as possible to key stakeholders like local government and volunteer organizations," said Lt. Javan Rasnake, lead planner for Indianapolis Navy Week. "Our goal is to ensure that people know the Navy defends America around the world, around the clock."

Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, will receive a proclamation from the state of Indiana at the Indiana War Memorial on Monday, at 8 a.m. This free event will also feature a kick off concert by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band.

"Our involvement is important because music gives us a unique capability to draw in a crowd and open up a conversation. We can begin a dialogue that increases understanding in the public that we serve," said Lt. Robert Coats, director of the U.S. Fleet Forces Band. "There are literally tens of thousands throughout the city that will find out about or interact with Navy Week assets due to the presence of the U.S. Fleet Forces Band."

The U.S. Fleet Forces Band has more than 30 events on its Indianapolis Navy Week schedule, including concerts at local high schools, Indianapolis Artsgarden, the Indiana State Museum and more.

"As Navy musicians, it is not uncommon for us to be the only Navy unit that many people will ever see in person," said Coats. "As a result, we represent our service with pride knowing that we are representing the Navy and the nation with every performance we give."

Indianapolis Navy Week coincides with the Indiana State Fair where several band ensembles will perform throughout the day on Monday. The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, will also execute various maneuvers and formations for fair attendees on Aug. 10 and 11, at 11 a.m.

"During Navy week events, the Leap Frogs are given an opportunity to demonstrate Navy excellence throughout the United States, which is our main purpose," said Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class, Ki Yi Pyoung. "Demonstrating Navy excellence may restore a person's faith in their nation's military or possibly inspire people to join the Navy and serve their country because of the impression the Leap Frogs made on them."

Navy Divers and Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 will have a dive tank set up at the state fair throughout the week. Navy Recruiting District Indianapolis will also present its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) truck with interactive stations including flight and ship simulators.

Sailors from the Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Indiana (SSN 789) will attend the state fair, and they will also participate in several community outreach events, including visits to the Riley Hospital for Children and Gleaners Food Bank, and will contribute to a Habitat for Humanity build.

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

"The Navy only has the opportunity to do a limited number of Navy weeks each year, so we chose carefully. Indianapolis is a great city for a Navy week -- it's a big, bustling city right in America's heartland," said Rasnake. "We will get the chance to share our message with many people and remind them that their Navy is ready to fight for America any day of the year."

Indianapolis Navy Week is the seventh of 12 Navy weeks in 2015.

To ensure the Navy remains ready to defend America at all times, it is investing in cutting edge innovations in weapons systems, multi-mission ships and submarines, and next generation of strike, patrol and electronic warfare aircraft. This is because the Navy is there where it matters, when it matters, and with the right tools to get the job done.

For a complete schedule and more information about Indianapolis Navy Week, visit www.navyoutreach.org.