Minneapolis

Minneapolis is set to welcome its Navy for an entire week of engagements and interactions with its sailors the week of September 27- October 3.

Minneapolis Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota, and the nation.

Navy organizations, including USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul  (LCS 21), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Navy Band Great Lakes, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, USS Constitution, United States Ceremonial Guard, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Northern Plains, and Navy History and Heritage Command, will participate in a variety of community outreach events. All participating commands will follow DOD, CDC, state, and local guidelines for safety during the current pandemic.

The Navy's senior executive host is Rear Admiral Gene Price, Vice Commander, Naval Information Forces, who will participate in community engagements as well as meet with local businesses, and civic, education, and government leaders.

“I am excited to represent the Navy and engage with the city of Minneapolis and the great state of Minnesota,” said Price. “Minnesota has a rich history of naval service and as such has had 38 ships that have been named after the state, its cities, places and people.”

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy's flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to Minneapolis.

“During a Navy Week, the Navy conducts approximately 75 outreach events with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service, and diversity organizations in the city," said CDR John Fage, director Navy Office of Community Outreach. "Minneapolis and the Minnesota region has always been a strong supporter of the military and I know our Sailors are looking forward to interacting with the people of Minneapolis and surrounding areas."

Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events across the area including volunteering with Habitat for Humanities, Fisher House, Children’s Hospital, Open Arms Kitchen, MACV and LivingWell Disability Services.

Other key engagements include Navy Band Great Lakes master classes, U.S. Ceremonial Guard performances, Minnesota Twins games, Minnesota Vikings Stadium tours, interactions with University of Minnesota, University of Saint Thomas, public band performances and more.

Minneapolis Navy Week is one of 13 Navy Weeks in 2021, focusing a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people -- about half the U.S. population.

Media organizations wishing to cover Minneapolis Navy Week events should contact Mr. Isaiah Sellers at (228) 281-3940 or isaiah.sellers.civ@us.navy.mil.
 

CONTACT INFO
Navy Coordinator
NavyWeeks@Navy.Mil
(901) 874-5590