Vice Chief Thanks Boston and Sailors for Navy Week Support

By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Servello, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

BOSTON (NNS) -- The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) met with Boston city officials and U.S. Sailors July 5 to thank them for their hardwork work during Boston Navy Week.

Adm. Mark Ferguson met with Mayor Thomas Menino at Boston City Hall to thank him for the warm hospitality that the city showed Sailors while USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) were in port for Navy Week.

"Boston is a Navy town with a rich maritime heritage dating back to the earliest days of the American colonies," said Ferguson. "Throughout this week, the citizens of Boston, state and city governments and area businesses have treated our Sailors with warm hospitality."

A celebration of the nation's sea services, Boston Navy Week provides an opportunity for the citizens of Boston and New England to meet Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen, as well as see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services firsthand.

"Our Sailors have greatly enjoyed their visit," said Ferguson. "This week has been a success in sharing America's Navy with Boston and celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812."

Ferguson also visited Wasp and Gravely to say thank you to their crews for the work they did to showcase America's Navy to the thousands of local visitors who toured the ships and interacted with Sailors.

Wasp and Gravely participation in Boston Navy Week from June 28 to July 6, gave their Sailors the opportunity to tour the city and interact with locals, as well as participate in community relations events.

"I could not be more proud of the Sailors who represented our Navy during Boston Navy Week," said Ferguson. "They were the embodiment of our values of professionalism, service, honor, and integrity, and were outstanding ambassadors for the naval service."

Boston Navy Week is one of many signature events around the country commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and "The Star-Spangled Banner." The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who served in all the nation's conflicts since then, and who continue defending freedom around the world today.

Since winning independence in 1776, the United States has been a maritime nation, relying on unobstructed access and free use of the world's oceans, which are essential to our national security and prosperity. The performance of America's Sailors and Marines in the War of 1812 set the standards upon which the nation's naval forces continue to build today.

For more information, visit the official Boston Navy Week Web site at www.bostonnavyweek.com or search "Boston Navy Week" on Facebook.