Program Designed To Keep The Public Informed About The Navy

The “Rock and Roll Capital of the World” is scheduled to host members of the U.S. Navy during Cleveland Navy Week, Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, a week-long series of community outreach events.

Under Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Thomas B. Modly, will return to his hometown to speak with local business and community leaders and encourage education about the Navy’s mission.

“Keeping the American public informed about their Navy is one of our highest priorities,” said Modly. “We want them to know, and I will be telling the people of my hometown of Cleveland, that the men and women of the United States Navy, and our broader Navy-Marine Corps team, are the finest the nation has to offer, and that they are on station on guard every day to keep us safe.”

Joining Modly will be Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Forrest Faison. "It's important for us to show Americans what Navy Medicine does and our impact on healthcare all over the world," said Faison. "I'm thrilled to visit some of the finest medical facilities, meet some of the best physicians in the country and learn about their medical capabilities and innovations."

Cleveland Navy Week is the 11th of only 14 Navy Weeks throughout the United States in 2018, a program that focuses a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

Sailors from USS Ohio, U.S. Fleet Forces Band, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team, Navy Operational Support Center Akron, Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs, Naval Recruiting District Ohio, Navy Divers, Navy Oceanography and Meteorology Command, Defense Finance and Accounting Services Cleveland, and several hometown sailors will all participate in dozens of outreach events leading up to the Cleveland National Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.

Cleveland Navy Week is the culmination of months of planning and cooperation with city officials and local organizations. Lt. David Carter serves as the lead planner for the event. "Our Sailors are extremely excited to visit Cleveland and showcase just a small portion of our Navy's capabilities to the American public," said Carter, lead planner for the Navy Week.  "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."

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

Some of the weeks' highlights include a joint outreach event with the City of Cleveland and their Police, Fire and EMS services at Luke Easter Park on Wednesday evening, August 29.  The Cleveland Indians are also due to host a Navy Night at Progressive Field during their Saturday night game, September 1. “We find that in a lot of the cities we visit, people just want to know where they can ‘see’ Navy Week or connect with our visiting Sailors,” said Carter. “Events like our Wednesday night program are designed exactly for that purpose. They’ll have an opportunity to see and interact with all of our assets in one place at one time and watch performances from the Navy Band and the drill team.  When you combine that with all of the exciting stuff the City of Cleveland is bringing, it’s shaping up to be a phenomenal night.”

In addition to educating the local Cleveland area about today’s Navy, the visiting teams plan on giving back to the community through a few service projects.  One such event will give hometown sailors and members of the USS Ohio the chance to contribute to the community through volunteering with the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. “By partnering with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, Navy Week volunteers will bring a national spotlight to the work we are doing locally…we believe this is a partnership that brings together two entities who believe in not only making our country stronger but also our local communities,” said Peggy Sobul, senior director of development and marketing for Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity.

The Navy Band will also be performing throughout the city at local events and reaching out to Cleveland youth through school performances. "Fleet Forces Band is excited to visit the beautiful city of Cleveland,” said Musician 1st Class Patrick Cotter, Fleet Forces Band outreach coordinator.  “We perform hundreds of concerts each year, and now we will be bringing our music to Cleveland.  Be sure to keep an eye out for us as we perform at locations throughout the city, where we will meet people and tell the story of the Navy and the Nation. We look forward to meeting you!"

(Image provided with U.S. Navy news release)

FMI: www.outreach.navy.mil