NORFOLK, Va. – The U.S. Navy, local businesses and civic organizations are celebrating Fleet Week Hampton Roads 2016 from October 7 through October 15.
Fleet Week Hampton Roads, held in conjunction with the Navy’s 241st birthday on October 13, helps to increase awareness of the Navy’s mission, and celebrates and recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of Navy Sailors, past and present.
Activities throughout the week include school visits, band concerts, social events and military demonstrations.
This year’s Fleet Week calendar of events includes:
Friday, October 7
Homeschool Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach – Naval Station Norfolk, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, in coordination with Navy School Liaison Officers (SLO) and SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic Hampton Roads, will host a group of 30 homeschool students for a special STEM education event. The students will participate in a variety of activities, including constructing straw rockets, gliders and popsicle stick catapults. For more information, contact NAVSTA Norfolk Public Affairs at 757-677-6642.
Military Citizen of the Year Luncheon – Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Award inception and event has been hosted by the Norfolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Committee since 1955, which recognizes outstanding enlisted (E-6 and below) for their volunteerism. Guest speaker is Virginia State Senator Frank Wagner. For more information, contact Candace Reid at 757)-664-2572.
Saturday, October 8
Military Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 221 High St, Portsmouth. Admission will be $5 for military members, DoD civilians, and their families. The event will feature military and civilian static displays, STEM activities, various demonstrations, and a performance by U.S. Fleet Forces Band “Woodwind Quintet.” Portsmouth Police Crime Prevention Unit will be on-site making Ident-A-Print ID’s for participating children, and Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services will help kick-off Fire Prevention Week. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumvirginia.com.
Thursday, October 13
Navy Birthday School Outreach, 7.a.m. – noon, coordinated by Navy School Liaison Officers. Sailors will volunteer at local Hampton Roads elementary schools by raising morning colors, reading to students, and participating in physical education activities in celebration of the Navy’s 241st birthday. For more information, contact Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs at 757-322-2853.
Military Appreciation Day at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Active duty service members and their families will receive free admission in honor of the Navy’s birthday. For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org or call 757-441-5830.
Friday, October 14
Admirals Hockey Fleet Week Special – The Norfolk Admirals will take on the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $11 (Red Level Ticket) for active duty service members with military ID, and can be purchased at the Scope Box Office. Capt. Jack Freeman, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, will drop the ceremonial puck. For more information contact the Norfolk Admirals at 757-640-1212, ext. 23, or visit the Admirals website at www.norfolkadmirals.com.
U.S. Fleet Forces Band Performance – Port Warwick, 11825 Jefferson Ave, Newport News. Concert begins at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Event will also include military static displays. For more information, contact Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs at 757-887-4939.
Saturday, October 15
Grunt Run – Onboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads/Northwest Annex. The event is free and open to all DOD cardholders. Registration is from 6:30 a.m. -7:30 a.m.; race begins at 8:30 a.m. Test your agility on a 5-mile obstacle/endurance course. Post-race party will feature a DJ and complimentary food/beverages for registered participants. For more information, visit www.raceit.com.
Due to possible inclement weather, the Hampton Roads Navy Birthday Ball at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott has been postponed until October 22. Doors will open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit: www.hamptonroadsnavyball.com.
