“Magic City” Kicks Off Navy Week

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Marcus Stanley | 180409-N-MJ645-0028 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 9, 2018) Rear Adm. Mark J. Fung, deputy chief of engineers, Navy Facilities Engineering Command, speaks to members of the Birmingham Business Alliance at their headquarters during Navy Week Birmingham, Alabama. The Navy Office of Community Outreach uses the Navy Week program to bring Navy Sailors, equipment and displays to approximately 14 American cities each year for a week-long schedule of outreach engagements. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcus L. Stanley/Released)  

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES

04.09.2018

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Marcus Stanley 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NNS) -- Navy Week Birmingham, Alabama kicked off April 9, the third Navy Week held in 2018.

The Navy Week features approximately 90 community events designed to give area residents an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people and its importance to national security and prosperity.

“It’s important that we deliver the message of the Navy the nation needs,” said Rear Adm. Mark J. Fung, deputy chief of civil engineers, and deputy commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “The American taxpayer in nontraditional Navy towns have to see how their money is being spent and how the Navy supports trade and foreign policy for the United States.”

The highlight of opening day came as Sailors and locals gathered at Railroad Park in the city’s downtown area and watched Mayor Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham, parachute tandem into the park with a member of the U.S. Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs.

“I’m happy to kickoff Navy Week,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham. “I am glad that we are one of 14 cities across the nation that is supporting our military and our Navy. I want to continue encouraging everyone to continue supporting our military, invest in our youth and appreciate these good people for protecting us and our country.”

Mayor Woodfin is set to issue a proclamation to Rear Adm. Fung at the Birmingham City Council April 10, officially designating the week as Navy Week.

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy's principal outreach effort in the areas of the country without a significant naval presence. More than 212 Navy Weeks have been held in 76 different U.S. cities.

For more information about Navy Week, visit http://www.outreach.navy.mil/, or follow the hashtag #navyweek.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2018
• Date Posted: 04.10.2018 06:18
• Story ID: 272406
• Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL, US