Tag: USS Cole

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Honoring Our Seagoing Services: Broward Navy Days Celebrates 30 Years of Service

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 25, 2023) Electricians Mate 1st class Stephanie Brunk attached to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) speaks with a veteran at the Alexander Ninninger Veterans home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas V. Huynh)

Electricians Mate 1st class Stephanie Brunk attached to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) speaks with a veteran at the Alexander Ninninger Veterans home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990.

History of Broward Navy Days, Inc.

Incorporated in 1990, Broward Navy Days, Inc. (BND), was formed under the leadership of Captain Jean Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.), to host an annual Fleet Week celebration at Port Everglades.

In 2001, Broward Navy Days merged the Fleet Week celebration with the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show and benefited from the professional management of the MDM Group, Ltd. & Pro-Series, Inc. for seven years. The Fleet Week Celebration was known as Fleet Week USA. In 2008 after the Air & Sea Show was discontinued, it reverted to Fleet Week Port Everglades, planned and hosted by BND. Fleet Week Port Everglades remains the signature event for BND each spring, but the organization is equally committed to actively supporting our seagoing services year-round.

Supporting the Seagoing Services Year-round

The organization plans welcoming events and shore leave activities for visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships periodically throughout the year and supports the activities of the U.S. Navy Southern Command and Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Broward Navy Days also participates in the commissioning ceremonies of new Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters in South Florida and the change of command ceremonies for the local Navy and Coast Guard commands.

Annual Events and Ceremonies

One of the most moving annual events is the Pearl Harbor memorial service held at Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, Broward Navy Days is dedicated to preserving the memory of the infamous attack that catapulted the United States into World War II.

Honorable Advisory Board

Today, 30 years after its founding, the Broward Navy Days organization has gained a highly respected reputation among our sea going services for being a good friend of the “White Hats.” The organization’s Honorable Advisory Board includes distinguished Navy and Coast Guard officials, such as ADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN (Ret), and CMDR Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret), the former Commander of the USS Cole.

Key takeaways:

Broward Navy Days is a non-profit organization that has been hosting Fleet Week at Port Everglades since 1990.
The organization supports seagoing services year-round by planning welcoming events and shore leave activities.
They participate in commissioning and change of command ceremonies, as well as the annual Pearl Harbor memorial service.
Broward Navy Days is dedicated to preserving the memory of the infamous attack that catapulted the United States into World War II.
The organization has gained a highly respected reputation among seagoing services for being a good friend of the “White Hats.”
The Honorable Advisory Board includes distinguished Navy and Coast Guard officials.

Conclusion:

Broward Navy Days has been honoring the seagoing services for over 30 years through their annual Fleet Week celebration at Port Everglades and their support of visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships year-round. Their dedication to preserving the memory of Pearl Harbor and participating in commissioning and change of command ceremonies has earned them a highly respected reputation among seagoing services. As Americans, we should take pride in supporting organizations like Broward Navy Days that honor and support those who serve our country.

Facts:

  • The Broward Navy Days organization was formed in 1990 by Captain Jean Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.).
  • Fleet Week was merged with the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show in 2001 and known as Fleet Week USA until 2008.
  • Broward Navy Days participates in the commissioning ceremonies of new Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters in South Florida.
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Exploring the USS Cole: A Look Inside One of the Ships Docked at Fleet Week Port Everglades

USS Cole (DDG-67) was laid down on 28 February 1994 at Pascagoula, MS, by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Litton Industries; launched on 10 January 1995; sponsored by Mrs. Lee Perry, wife of Secretary of Defense William J. Perry; and commissioned on 8 June 1996 at Port Everglades, FL, Commander M. Stewart O’Bryan in command.

If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area this week, be sure to check out Fleet Week Port Everglades! This annual event brings four ships and hundreds of sailors, marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the area. The USS New York, USS Cole, USS Indiana (submarine), and USNS Newport are all docked at Port Everglades and open for tours. Don’t miss your chance to see these impressive vessels up close and learn more about the brave men and women who serve our country.

Remembering the USS Cole: A Story of Honor, Courage, and Commitment

On the morning of October 12, 2000, the USS Cole, a guided-missile destroyer, was refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen when two al-Qaeda terrorists approached the ship in a small boat carrying a bomb. The ensuing explosion killed 17 sailors and injured 37 others, and left a gaping hole in the ship’s hull. Despite the devastation, the crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates. The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery in the face of adversity exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.i

Key Points:

On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by two al-Qaeda terrorists while refueling in Aden, Yemen.
The attack killed 17 sailors and
The crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates.
The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
The Navy subsequently enhanced global force protection training during crucial transits and implemented measures to defend against low-slow flying aircraft and small boats.
The USS Cole Awards Presented Following the Attack include Legion of Merit, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and Navy Unit Commendation.
Selected USS Cole Artifacts include United States Navy Flag, United States Marine Corps Flag, Mess Management Specialist T-Shirt, and Mess Deck Tray.

Conclusion

The USS Cole attack was a tragic reminder of the dangers that our sailors face every day in defense of our country. The heroism and sacrifice of the crew of the USS Cole is an inspiration to all Americans and serves as a testament to the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Let us honor their memory by continuing to support a strong Navy and ensuring that our sailors have the training and resources they need to defend our nation.