US Navy Arrives in San Antonio to Kick Off San Antonio Navy Week 2011

The U.S. Navy arrived in San Antonio Oct. 24, to kick off San Antonio Navy Week 2011 with a proclamation ceremony held by Mayor Julián Castro and the assistant secretary of the Navy.

Sailors from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Navy Band New Orleans and the Navy Blue Angels will hold about 40 different events Oct. 24-29 around the city to show residents the investment they have made in their Navy and to share Navy key initiatives with the public.

“The importance of the Navy is nothing new to Texans. Like all Americans, Texans have a vested interest in a strong, agile and global U.S. Navy.” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy Juan Garcia. “What happens on the water is critical to American security, the preservation of American jobs, and peace worldwide. Most fundamental, it’s important to our national defense.”

Rear Adm. David Philman, director, Warfare Integration and Rear Adm. Eleanor V. Valentin, senior health care executive, U.S. Navy, will also visit San Antonio to host several events including civic, veterans, corporate and educational engagements.

San Antonio Navy Week involves Sailors interacting with the community through events such as a Habitat for Humanity project, culinary demonstrations and a wrap up with a public Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team Air Show at Randolph Air Force Base.

The Alamo will host “Navy Day at the Alamo” Oct. 28. It will be an opportunity for local citizens to meet their Sailors at an important location in Texas history.

In addition, Navy Band New Orleans will offer free performances throughout the city’s high schools and is scheduled to perform on Fox 29.

“Your United States Navy, a global force for good, is fired up to be in the Alamo City to host Navy Week 2011.” said Garcia. “San Antonio is a Navy town.”

San Antonio Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2011.
[mappress]
Source: navy, October 26, 2011;