Area Sailors Kick Off Fargo Navy Week

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FARGO, N.D. (NNS) -- Area Sailors kicked off Fargo's first-ever Navy Week, Aug. 8, by helping the Fargo Parks and Recreation staff improve playgrounds in Mickleson Park and Island Park.

The Sailors, representing Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Fargo, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Fargo, and Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), spread new mulch to beautify the play areas and make them safer. Later, the Sailors helped serve meals at the New Life Center homeless shelter.

"Since Fargo is not a typical Navy town, a lot of people don't know we're here or what we do," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Mike Corum, a NOSC Fargo Reservist and Fargo resident. "Navy Week gets us out there and shows the community what we do as a global force for good," he said.

Rob Swiers, New Life Center assistant director and volunteer coordinator, said he was grateful for the Navy's help at the shelter.

"The Sailors are talking about coming back to help with other projects, and it's really great to have their enthusiasm and assistance," said Swiers.

Fargo Navy Week runs through Aug. 14, and its schedule includes civic, corporate and educational engagements by Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Rear Adm. Patricia E. Wolfe, and Deputy Commander for Fleet Management and Chief of Staff, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Rear Adm. Mark D. Guadagnini.

"We are able to succeed because our ships, submarines and aircraft are well-maintained, our ammunition magazines are full and our parts lockers are at the ready," said Guadagnini. "Most importantly, we've excelled because of the professionalism, initiative and quality of all those serving in your Navy today. These men and women are highly trained, highly motivated, courageous and capable of meeting any mission."

Throughout Fargo Navy Week, officers and Sailors will participate in community events, engage local veterans and volunteer in service projects. The week culminates in performances by the Navy Flight Demonstration Team, "Blue Angels," at the Fargo AirSho.

In addition, Horizon, a seven-piece contemporary music ensemble of Navy Band Great Lakes, will play free performances throughout the community and at the air show. The band will perform Top 40, classic rock hits, Motown, country, funk and jazz.

Fargo Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2011. For regularly updated information and a schedule of events, visit the Fargo Navy Week website at http://www.navyweek.org/fargo2011/. High-resolution photos from previous Navy Week celebrations and information about the Centennial of Naval Aviation are available at the website.