Dallas-Fort Worth Navy Week 2014 kicked off April 21 with a Mayoral proclamation at Dallas’ city hall.
Vice Adm. David Dunaway, commander, Naval Air Systems Command, along with Sailors from USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Texas (SSN 775) and area residents, attended the ceremony.
The Navy Week program is designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas that traditionally do not have a naval presence and include community relations projects, speaking engagements and media interviews with flag hosts and area Sailors.
“The purpose of this Navy Week is to remind Americans of the value their Navy brings to securing and protecting America on the world’s oceans,” said the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Juan Garcia, III. “The Sailors you see, meet and interact with this week represent the tens of thousands of young men and women serving in the U.S. Navy, deployed around the world around the clock, and defending America at all times.”
Dallas-Fort Worth locals will be able to meet with Sailors from the Leap Frogs, the Blue Angels, USS Constitution (the world’s oldest commissioned warship) USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Fort Worth (LCS 3).
Senior Navy leaders also participating in events throughout the week include Rear Adm. John Sadler, vice commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Rear Adm. Raquel Bono, director, National Capital Region Medical Directive.
Dallas-Fort Worth Navy Week will bring with it several assets to demonstrate its capabilities to the public. The Leap Frogs (US Navy’s Parachute Team) is planning to make several jumps. Navy Band Mid-South will be putting on performances throughout the week. Sailors from USS Constitution, USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) will be participating in various outreach events such as community relations projects.
[mappress] Press Release, April 22, 2014; Image: US Navy