Peace Through Strength – Community Driven – Membership Supported
Category: U.S. Navy News
Covering U.S. naval news is crucial for the members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy as it keeps them informed of the latest developments, initiatives, and challenges faced by the Navy. This information enables them to advocate for policies that support a stronger and more capable Navy, including increased funding, modernization, and recruitment efforts. Additionally, following naval news helps them to engage with the public and raise awareness about the critical role the Navy plays in protecting national security interests and promoting global stability.
Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who share our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong and capable Navy is essential to ensuring global peace and security.
We are excited to bring you the latest news and updates from the U.S. Navy, and to inspire you to join us in supporting this vital mission.
USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailan
The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit. The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand’s territorial waters. The Nimitz’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal was turned on at around 21:30 p.m. UTC on Sunday, and it arrived and docked at Laem Chabang Port three hours later.
The Nimitz’s Journey Across the South China Sea.
The journey across the South China Sea is significant given the tensions in the region, and the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the area. The Nimitz’s presence in the region is intended to promote peace and stability, and to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.
Trilateral Exercise with Japan and South Korea
Prior to arriving in Thailand, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise was conducted on April 3-4 and aimed to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the three navies.
Key takeaways:
The USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand The Nimitz’s journey is significant given the tensions in the region and ongoing territorial disputes The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and South Korea on April 3-4 to enhance cooperation and interoperability
In conclusion, the USS Nimitz’s journey across the South China Sea and its visit to Thailand highlight the importance of a strong and capable U.S. Navy in promoting peace and stability in the region. The trilateral exercise with Japan and South Korea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability among allied navies. We encourage all Americans to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our mission at StrongerNavy.org. Thank you for your time and for your support.
U.S. Navy Intercepts Fishing Vessel Smuggling $42 Million in Illegal Drugs
Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!
As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we are proud to share a recent success story of the U.S. Navy in supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in interdicting a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman.
Content Summary
USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), operating under CTF 150, intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling 802 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of hashish worth $42 million. The crewmembers of the vessel were identified as Iranian nationals.
Before the Navy and Coast Guard members could seize the vessel, five smugglers attempted to discard 50 bags of methamphetamine by throwing them overboard.
However, some of the bags were recovered. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone, contributing to the total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions by U.S. and international naval units in 2021 and 2022.
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs worth $42 million in the Gulf of Oman. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone. U.S. and international naval units have contributed to a total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions in 2021 and 2022. CTF 150 conducts maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities. Conclusion: The successful interception by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard members under CTF 150 highlights the importance of promoting Peace Through Strength. We commend the sailors for their outstanding work in removing illicit narcotics from the high seas and deterring destabilizing activity in regional waters. As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to subscribe and continue to engage with us in promoting a stronger and more secure America.
Greetings to all our members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.
As an organization, our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, a valuable central theme that aligns with our goals.
In this blog post, we would like to bring to your attention to an incident that Iran alleged recently occurred in the Gulf involving the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and Iran’s navy. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission and to engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy.
On April 20, Iranian navy commander Shahram Irani claimed that Iran’s navy had forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf. He said that the Iranian submarine Fateh detected the U.S. submarine approaching while submerged and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Irani, the U.S. submarine had also entered Iranian territorial waters but corrected its course after being warned. However, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had taken place, calling it Iranian disinformation.
Background on Iranian-U.S. confrontations
Iranian and U.S. forces have had a number of confrontations in the past. In early April, the Iranian navy said it had identified and warned off a U.S. reconnaissance plane outside the mouth of the Gulf. In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone which it said was flying over southern Iran.
Key takeaways:
Iran’s navy claimed to have forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, but the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had occurred.
Iran has had confrontations with the U.S. Navy in the past, including identifying and warning off a U.S. reconnaissance plane in early April 2023 and shooting down a U.S. drone in 2019.
In conclusion, we hope that this story has shed light on the importance of a strong Navy in promoting peace through strength. We urge all our readers to support our mission and engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy. Let us work together to ensure that our Navy is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge that may arise.
Hello, and welcome to Americans for a Stronger Navy. At our organization, we are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength. In this blog post, we will be discussing the recent recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Our goal is to inform and inspire our readers, especially those in the Navy, to support our mission.
Summary:
Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, the vice chief of naval operations, told the committee that their services are doing better than they expected, but that they will still be short at the end of the fiscal year.
Franchetti said the Navy’s readiness is based on people. “We are committed to improving their quality of service and personal resilience, investing in initiatives such as quality housing and childcare, access to the full continuum of mental health care, improved education and an environment free of sexual harassment and sexual assault,” she said. “In this 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we continue to focus on recruiting, retention and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.”
The admiral also spoke of gains in ship readiness and improvements in maintenance. She told the panel that the fiscal 2024 budget request fully funds public and private ship maintenance, aviation depot maintenance, increases parts and spares and continues to grow the highly skilled public shipyard workforce.
Army, Navy, and Air Force won’t reach enlistment goals this year.
Marines and Space Force expect to reach their goals.
Army expects to recruit 10,000 fewer soldiers than their goal of 55,000.
Navy expects to have about 6,000 enlistees short.
Air Force expects to have about 10,000 airmen short throughout the active and reserve components.
Recruitment issues faced by the Army apply to all services, with only 23% of young Americans qualified to serve, and fewer still showing interest.
The Army must focus on warfighting, training for battle, and supporting combatant commands with ready formations worldwide.
The Navy’s readiness is based on people, investing in initiatives such as quality housing, childcare, mental health care, education, and an environment free of harassment and assault.
The Marine Corps is modernizing and producing an even more lethal Marine.
Conclusion:
We hope this blog post has informed you about the current recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Personnel is the most critical aspect of readiness, and it’s essential to invest in initiatives to improve their quality of service and personal resilience.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we must focus on recruiting, retention, and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.
We encourage you to support our mission by subscribing to our organization and becoming an active supporter of a Stronger Navy. Thank you for your time and for supporting our cause.
Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who believe in promoting Peace through Strength.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inspire and inform readers about the importance of a strong navy for the security and prosperity of our nation. Today, we bring you news of the U.S. Navy’s historic sailing of its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian force
On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully sailed its first drone boat, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, through the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. The drone, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, passed safely through the strait, which is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone during its journey
The strait is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian forces in the area, but this sailing took place without incident, although it drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Key takeaways:
The drone, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, passed safely through the strait with accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a busy waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
The sailing drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but took place without incident.
Subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.
Conclusion:
The successful sailing of the first U.S. Navy drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to bolster its presence in the region. This development will enable the Navy to better monitor the area, safeguard international trade, and protect American interests and allies. We encourage all Americans who believe in promoting peace through strength to support the Navy’s mission and subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we stand in solidarity with the sailors of the @US7thFleet and the USS Milius in Taiwan Strait transit.
Freedom of Navigation apply, in accordance with International law. We believe that such operations are essential to maintaining #PeaceThroughStrength in the region, and we applaud the crew of the @USSMilius for their professionalism and dedication.
The U.S. Navy said its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a navigational rights and freedoms mission in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands on Monday.
The announcement came as China’s military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in military drills around the island amid growing tensions between China and the U.S. in the region.
The U.S. Navy said the operation by the destroyer was consistent with international law.
Dear members and subscribers, we at Americans for a Stronger Navy would like to greet you all.
We are delighted to share the news of the launch and christening of the USS Cleveland, the latest addition to the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
As an organization that promotes peace through strength, this milestone event is consistent with our mission. We hope this blog post will inform and inspire you to support our cause by subscribing to our website.
Navy to christen new ‘USS Cleveland’
Introduction
The U.S. Navy is set to launch and christen the Lockheed Martin USS Cleveland (LCS 31) its newest combat ship, in a shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, today April 15, 2023.
The USS Cleveland, a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship, is set to be launched and christened in Marinette, Wisconsin on Saturday morning, according to a press release from the U.S. Navy. It is the 16th and final Freedom-variant LCS and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city.
The USS Cleveland is designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
This ship, which is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the city’s name, is 387 feet long and has accommodations for 98 sailors. It can carry two helicopters and is designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
The last ships to be named the USS Cleveland include a World War I cruiser, a World War II light cruiser, and a Vietnam-era amphibious transport dock that was decommissioned in 2011.
“This christening is a significant milestone for the future USS Cleveland, the ship’s sponsor Mrs. Robyn Modly, and the prospective crew,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “LCS 31 will be another step closer to joining our fleet, sailing the open seas, continuing to defend our nation, and representing the strong connection our Navy has with the city of Cleveland.”
The USS Cleveland will be launched into Wisconsin’s Menominee River and will make its way to its permanent base in Mayport, Florida.
Key Takeaways
The USS Cleveland is the newest addition to the U.S. Navy’s fleet and is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the city’s name.
The USS Cleveland is 387 feet long and has accommodations for 98 sailors. It can carry two helicopters and is designed for missions along coastal areas.
The ship will be launched into Wisconsin’s Menominee River and will make its way to its permanent base in Mayport, Florida.
The USS Cleveland is capable of handling a variety of tasks from anti-submarine duties to dropping off Navy SEALs.
The USS Cleveland is a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
It is the 16th and final Freedom-variant LCS and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city of Cleveland.
The ship’s christening ceremony will feature remarks from Austin Davis, Senior Police Advisor for the City of Cleveland, and the bottle will be broken by Robyn Modly, wife of former Acting Secretary of the Navy and a Cleveland native.
The USS Cleveland’s christening is a significant milestone for the ship, its sponsor, and the prospective crew.
Conclusion
The launch and christening of the USS Cleveland is an important milestone for the U.S. Navy and the City of Cleveland.
As an organization that supports a stronger navy and promotes peace through strength, we are delighted to share this news with our members and subscribers.
We hope this blog post has informed and inspired you to support our cause by subscribing to our website. Let us continue to work together to ensure a stronger navy for the safety and security of our nation.
Americans for a Stronger Navy is an organization that focuses on advocating for a stronger Navy to protect American interests and promote national security and Peace Through Strength.
As part of their outreach initiatives, the US Navy hosts Navy Weeks in partnership with various organizations throughout the country.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the USS San Jacinto, (CG-56) an active Navy ship that is currently participating in Navy Week in Wilmington, N.C. and with pleasure and opportunity to interview Captain Christopher E. Marvin, the USS San Jacinto Commanding Officer.
Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer, USS San Jacinto, (CG 56)
Captain Marvin is a native of rural northeastern Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology. In November 1997, he entered Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida, and was commissioned in March of 1998.
His first sea tour of duty was aboard USS JOHN YOUNG (DD-973) in San Diego, California where he served as the Deck Officer from 1999 to 2001. In November 2001, he reported to USS BLACKHAWK (MHC-58) in Ingleside, Texas as the Engineer Officer and served on BLACKHAWK from 2001 to 2003.
Following his initial sea duty tours, Captain Marvin attended The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology and completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.
In June 2006, following completion of Department Head and Tactical Action Officer training, then Lieutenant Marvin, transferred to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Hawaii and reported for duty as the Engineer Officer aboard USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93).
In subsequent sea tours, he served as the Engineer Officer aboard USS CHOSIN (CG-65) in Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Executive Officer aboard USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) in Mayport, Florida and USS SOMERSET (LPD-25) in San Diego, California and most recently as Commanding Officer of USS DETROIT (LCS-7) Gold Crew in Mayport, FL.
In addition to his shore tour at the Naval Postgraduate School, Captain Marvin also served ashore on the Commander Naval Surface Force Staff in the N8 Directorate from 2009 to 2011 followed by a one-year tour of duty on the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Staff in Djibouti, as a student at the Joint Forces Staff College and most recently on the Commander Naval Surface Forces Staff serving as deputy assistant Chief of Staff for future requirements.
Captain Marvin’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; and various other unit and service awards.
Interview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin
Question and Answer with Bill Cullifer, Founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy and Captain Marvin, Commanding Officer San Jacinto:
Q: Captain Marvin, what would you like the American public to know about the Navy’s mission today, and what they can do to help support that mission?
A: “America remains a global leader with global interests. Households and businesses throughout the United States benefit from the steady flow of resources and goods across oceans. Our modern economy depends on access to the internet, which rides upon undersea fiber-optic cables. This is a critical decade – maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States. The rules-based international order depends upon free and open oceans. The United States Navy protects the sea lines of communication, which facilitates 98% of the world’s trade and commerce. The American people play the vital role in providing the workforce and industrial support that sends our warships to sea and is the base from which our highly intelligent, industrious and growing technology savvy Sailors enter service to their Navy and Nation. Support for local businesses and industries will effectively translate to direct material support to the increasingly complex and diverse challenges maritime security. Additionally, focus on continuing education in both technologically advanced and classical trade skills will provide the industrial-technological base that will be crucial to maintain peace through vigilance today and win any future battles that threaten our sea, land, air, and space access and interests.”
V/r, -Chris Captain Chris Marvin, USN Commanding Officer, USS SAN JACINTO (CG56) “Victory is Certain”
Navy Weeks
Navy Weeks are a series of events that provide opportunities for the Navy to showcase its assets, equipment, and personnel. These programs are designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service, increase awareness in cities that might not otherwise see the Navy at work, and showcase the Navy’s global deployment. The USS San Jacinto is currently participating in Navy Week in Wilmington, NC, and the public is invited to take a tour of the ship.
USS San Jacinto(CG-56)
The USS San Jacinto, (CG-56) is an active Navy ship that has been in commission for over three decades. It has traveled across international waters and has been involved in several operations, including firing the opening shots of Operation Desert Storm. In 2020, the ship broke the U.S. Navy record for most consecutive days at sea, with a total of 206 days. It is a formidable vessel that serves to protect American interests and promote national security.
Tours of the USS San Jacinto, (CG-56)
Tours of the USS San Jacinto will be available on Friday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to visit Godwin Stadium, where a security check will occur before a bus transports visitors to the ship. Walk-ins are welcome, and visitors are only asked to bring their ID and wear closed-toed shoes.
This is a unique opportunity to see firsthand the inner workings of an active Navy ship and to learn more about the importance of naval service.
Reflecting on Navy Week in Wilmington, NC
As Navy Week comes to a close in Wilmington, NC, we reflect on the valuable opportunity it provides for the Navy to showcase its assets and educate Americans on the importance of naval service.
OurInterview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin
During our interview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer of the USS San Jacinto, we gained valuable insights into the importance of the Navy’s mission in protecting national security and promoting peace through strength. Captain Marvin emphasized the vital role played by the American public in supporting the Navy’s mission through workforce and industrial support. Additionally, he highlighted the crucial role of continuing education in both technologically advanced and classical trade skills for maintaining the Navy’s industrial-technological base, which is essential for maintaining peace through vigilance today and winning any future battles that threaten our sea, land, air, and space access and interests.
Partnership for Peace Through Strength
As an organization that advocates for a stronger Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy recognizes the importance of a partnership between the Navy and the American public in promoting national security and peace through strength. Events like Navy Week provide valuable opportunities for the Navy to showcase its assets and educate Americans on the importance of naval service.
Gratitude for All Involved
We would like to extend our gratitude to Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer of the USS San Jacinto, the crew of the USS San Jacinto, and all those responsible for managing and organizing the event, including the unsung heroes behind the scenes. We thank them for their service, their dedication to promoting the mission of the Navy, and their service to our country.
Importance of Naval Service
The public was able to tour the USS San Jacinto during Navy Week, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of naval service in protecting American interests and promoting national security and Peace Through Strength.
Hello members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!
As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we strive to highlight the important work of the United States Navy in maintaining global security and stability.
Today, we want to share a story that showcases the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots in navigating one of the world’s most important waterways – the Suez Canal.
The successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) through the canal is a testament to the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence in the region. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission of promoting a strong and effective US Navy, as we work towards a safer and more peaceful world.
On April 5th, 2023, the US Navy announced that the USS Paul Hamilton a Guided Missle Destroyer, had successfully transited the Suez Canal as part of its deployment to the Middle East.
The Suez Canal has been an important passage for naval vessels for over a century, and the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit is a testament to the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots. The Suez Canal is a strategic chokepoint that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing naval vessels to quickly move between Europe and Asia. The USS Paul Hamilton transit through the canal highlights the importance of this waterway for the US Navy’s operations in the region.
Transiting through the Suez Canal is not without its challenges. The canal is over 120 miles long and has no locks, which means that vessels must navigate through narrow passages and tight turns. The depth of the canal can also be a concern, as low water levels can cause vessels to run aground. Additionally, the security of the vessels transiting through the canal is a top priority, as the canal has been the target of attacks in the past.
The US Navy works closely with the Egyptian authorities to ensure that all necessary security measures are in place. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal is a testament to the strong relationship between the US Navy and the Egyptian government. The U.S. Navy employs skilled pilots who are well-versed in navigating through the canal’s narrow passages, ensuring a smooth and safe transit.
The Suez Canal is an important transit point for the US Navy, allowing it to quickly move its vessels between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal demonstrates the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region. The US Navy remains vigilant and ready to respond to any potential threats in the area, ensuring that global trade can continue to flow smoothly through the Suez Canal.
In conclusion, the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the Suez Canal is a testament to the US Navy’s skill and expertise in navigating through challenging waterways. The Suez Canal remains an important passage for naval vessels, and the US Navy will continue to rely on it for its operations in the Middle East. With proper planning and execution, the US Navy can safely and efficiently pass through this historic waterway, ensuring that it remains a vital link between Europe and Asia.
“Transiting the Suez Canal: A Testimony to the US Navy’s Skill and Expertise”
This title highlights the central theme of the blog post – the successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton through the Suez Canal – while also emphasizing the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots.
Armament Guns: 5-inch (127 mm)/54 Mk 45 Mod 1/2 (lightweight gun) 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS 2 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System 4 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns Missiles: 2 × Mk 141 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Launcher 1 × 29-cell, 1 × 61-cell (90 total cells) Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS): RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missile RIM-156 Surface-to-Air Missile BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missile RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC Torpedoes: 2 × Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes: Mark 46 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 50 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo Aircraft carried Flight deck can embark 1 Sikorsky MH-60R
The U.S. Navy has announced that Navy Week will bring demonstrations, performances and events to Wilmington, NC for the week of April 10 to 16, 2023.
Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support U.S. Navy Week, a community outreach initiative that showcases the brave men and women who serve in our nation’s Navy.
Navy Week provides an opportunity for communities to interact with sailors, learn about the Navy’s mission, and show support for our servicemen and women. As an organization dedicated to promoting peace through strength, we believe that a strong Navy is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
This year’s Navy Week in Wilmington, NC is especially exciting as it marks the return of the event after a three-year absence. We hope that this week will inspire more people to become active supporters of the Navy and its mission.
Wilmington will host the city’s first Navy Week since 2019 when the Navy visits the area for a week of events April 10-16, in conjunction with the Azalea Festival.
Wilmington Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Wilmington, the state of North Carolina, and the nation.
Participating Navy assets include USS Constitution, USS San Jacinto (CG-56), Navy Reserve Center Raleigh, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Southeast, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, USS North Carolina (SSN-777), U.S. Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs), Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Office of Small Business Programs, and U.S. Fleet Forces.
More than 75 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including the Azalea Festival Parade.
The Navy’s senior executive attending is Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Adm. Caudle is a native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of North Carolina State University. During Wilmington Navy Week, he will participate in community engagements, meet leaders in education, and speak with local businesses, veterans, and government leaders.
Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Wilmington.
“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to Wilmington,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”
Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events across the area, including engaging with visitors at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and NC Aquarium Fort Fisher, and volunteering at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Southeast at venues throughout the week.
Wilmington Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2023, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.