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    Naval Station Norfolk Holds 3rd Annual Fleet Fest

    NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

    10.20.2014

    Courtesy Story

    Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

    By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taylor Stinson
    Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

    NORFOLK, Va.– Naval Station Norfolk held its 3rd Annual Fleet Fest on Saturday, Oct. 18, by honoring in their efforts to foster its relationship with the Hampton Roads community and educate the public on what Sailors do on a day-to-day basis in celebration of the Navy’s 239th Birthday.

    The daylong event consisted of tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66); a chili cook-off between Naval Station Norfolk commands; a car show involving a variety of vehicle classes, including motorcycles; static displays; and live entertainment from U.S. Fleet Forces Band and The Deloreans, a show band out of Hampton Roads, Va.

    “Everyone is so friendly and all the children are so excited to be here,” said retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel Riggins, from Norfolk, Va. “I came to see the carrier, but I’m enjoying checking out the cars and eating good food. I wish that Fleet Fest was two days long!”

    Among the static displays showcased on pier 14 were the Norfolk Police Department, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Special Operations and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC) scouts, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fleet Readiness Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) and Child and Youth Programs (CYP), and more.

    “I want people to see what we do every day to serve the Hampton Roads community and our country,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Robert Butler, from Norfolk, Va. “I want everyone to understand the pride we all take in our jobs here.”

    Many service members were proud to show off and educate the public on what they do for their jobs. Static displays offered a hands-on approach for many visitors and the ship tours provided the public with access they normally would not have.

    “I think it’s a great opportunity to be able to show off USS Gonzalez to the public and there has been a great response from everyone,” said Cmdr. Stefan Walch, executive officer of Gonzales. “To be able to open her up to the public, who normally wouldn’t get access to the base, is a great deal.”

    Fleet Fest is held annually as part of an ongoing program to educate and inspire America's public by allowing them to see firsthand what the Navy brings to their communities.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.20.2014
    Date Posted: 10.20.2014 15:58
    Story ID: 145548
    Location: NORFOLK, VA, US
    Hometown: NORFOLK, VA, US

    Web Views: 75
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN