Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Markus Castaneda | 150424-N-WI365-066 NEW ORLEANS (April 24, 2015) Mitch Landrieu, mayor of New Orleans,...... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS - Navy Week New Orleans 2015 officially kicked off April 24 with a welcoming ceremony hosted by Mitch Landrieu, mayor of New Orleans, for visiting ships’ commanding officers and several flag officers representing the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian and British Royal Navies at Gallier Hall in New Orleans.
In his speech, Landrieu discussed the history of how the weeklong celebration came about, tying the traditions significance back to the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans, which is celebrating its bicentennial.
“One of the things we are able to do during this time is not just to celebrate our victory, which we are all thankful for,” said Landrieu. “But to also commemorate that it was at that moment that the United States, Great Britain and allies came together to forge peace.”
He also emphasized his appreciation for the armed forces in his speech, thanking them for their continuous involvement in New Orleans.
“One thing we all agree on, across political lines, geographic lines, geopolitical lines is that, our freedom isn’t free,” said Landrieu. “The price is being paid every day by men and women who, as we speak, as we are enjoying ourselves, are protecting us and protecting our liberty.”
Rear Adm. Mary M. Jackson, commander, Navy Region Southeast, also expressed her gratitude towards the hospitality and reception the armed forces experienced upon arrival.
“I love coming back to this town. It was a beautiful sight to see the ships, the top of the ships along the Mississippi River,” said Jackson. “We look forward to continuing this tradition of coming back.”
The ships participating in the event are the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), the Duke class British frigate HMS Lancaster, Coast Guard Reliance class cutter USCG Dauntless, and Canadian Iroquois class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan. The Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are aboard Wasp representing the full spectrum of sea power.
America's sea services, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard uniquely provide presence around the globe during peacetime and in times of conflict. From supporting those in need with humanitarian assistance or disaster relief to deterring or defeating an adversary, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are deployed and ready wherever they are needed, when they are needed. The United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are our nation's first line of defense, providing presence around the world to ensure stability, build on our relationships with allies and partners, prevent wars and provide our nation's leaders with options in times of crisis. The sea services continue their commitment to maintain the combat power necessary to deter potential adversaries, and to fight and win when required.
The weeklong celebration is an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and the surrounding area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.
For more information, visit: www.navy.mil/local/lhd1/ or www.facebook.com/ESGTWO or www.twitter.com/esg2.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2015 18:16 |
| Story ID: | 161284 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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