Washington State Honors U.S. Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Lockwood, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OLYMPIA, Wash. (NNS) -- The State of Washington honored the U.S. Navy at the capitol in Olympia as part of the Navy Appreciation Day, April 13.

Government officials convened a special recognition proclamation for service members in the Senate Chamber and in the House Chamber to honor the U.S. Navy.

To kick off the event, Musician 3rd Class Sarah Reasner, vocalist from Navy Band Northwest, sang the national anthem in the Senate Chamber.

After the opening remarks from Washington State Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Rear Adm. Douglass T. Biesel addressed the senate.

"Thank you for providing such great support to our Navy's Sailors, our families and all our great veterans that have served this nation," said Biesel. "You have made Washington State the state of choice for many that have served this great nation."

After Biesel addressed the senate he recognized Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search and Rescue for all their dedication, and particularly for their efforts during the rescue of a 15-year-old girl in the Skokomish River Canyon where Lt. Brandon Sheets flew a MH-60S Knighthawk under a steel bridge.

"Due to that narrow canyon, Lt. Sheets was not able to turn that helicopter around, he literally had to back the helicopter out underneath the bridge, of course that's all in a days work," said Biesel.

Navy officials had an opportunity to tour the Legislative Building and visit the Senate Caucus, the House of Representatives Caucus and met with the Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Navy Band Northwest performed a concert in the Capitol's Rotunda room where spectators enjoyed live music. Lt. j.g. Patrick Sweeten, director of Navy Band Northwest, said performing at the state capitol was a privilege.

"It is an honor to be able to perform here and visit the capitol," said Sweeten. "The legislators go out of their way to thank the U.S. Navy and performing here is one of the highlights of the year for the band."