SPOKANE, Wash. (NNS) -- Spokane Navy Week kicked off May 10 with events designed to give the public an up-close look at the men and women of the U.S. Navy.
Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Seattle and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Spokane join forces this week, along with Sailors from the USS Constitution and Navy Band Northwest, to provide opportunities for citizens to meet Sailors and learn about the Navy's capabilities during Spokane Navy Week May 10-15 in conjunction with the Spokane Lilac Festival. Spokane Navy Week is one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2010.
The week kicked off with performances by the Navy Band Northwest, "Passage," as well as community service projects supported by Sailors from USS Constitution, NOSC Spokane and NRD Seattle, setting the tone for Spokane Navy Week and culminating with a proclamation from Mayor Mary Verner.
"It's really great to see the Navy Band at my old high school," said Seaman Apprentice Nathan Cerenzia, of Riverside, Wash., as he watched rock band, "Passage," perform at Riverside High School.
Cerenzia was home on leave following his graduation from "A" school, his technical Navy class, to become an aviation boatswain's mate, aircraft handling. Following his leave time, the Spokane area native will report to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
The Sailors from USS Constitution, the Navy's oldest commissioned warship, visited with students at Reardon, Wash., Middle School to demonstrate a slice of Navy history.
"Anytime I can get someone else to reinforce the importance that history plays in these students' lives, that is a positive thing," said Cory Oliver, Reardan Middle School history teacher. Oliver added that reenacting the War of 1812 using students as ships' captain, crew and sound effects was a fun and interactive way to teach them about history.
The weeklong schedule of events include civic, corporate and educational engagements by Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, and Rear Adm. James A. Symonds, Commander, Navy Region Northwest.
Interactive displays such as the Navy Suburban, a wrapped Navy-theme media center on wheels equipped with video games; and the Navy simulator, featuring live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery presented on a large screen, will provide additional entertainment during Navy Week events at a variety of locations.
From public concerts in local parks and participation in community events designed to interact with Spokane citizens, to giving back to the community by building homes and encouraging smiles from patients at a children's hospital, Spokane Navy Week promises to engage, inform and increase understanding about the Navy's multitude capabilities and career opportunities.
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