Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Pierson | NORFOLK, Va (Oct. 21, 2023) Community guests wait in line to tour USS George...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va.- Returning to the Naval Station Norfolk after a three-year absence, Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM) Day and Fleet Fest 2023, held Oct. 20-21 brought record crowds as it showcased the mission of NAVSTA Norfolk, the U.S. Navy, U.S Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps.
On Friday, the installation partnered with Norfolk Public Schools and Portsmouth Public Schools to host 3,000 fifth and sixth graders along with 500 teachers, administrators and chaperones for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Day, which kicked off the two day event. The goal of the day was to educate, inspire and connect students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through hands on activities and primarily to provide them access to see what takes place at NAVSTA Norfolk.
“My favorite part was getting to see the ships and talk to the military people,” said Larchmont Elementary School 5th grade student.” Going to the very top of the aircraft carrier was so neat. We were so high.”
On Saturday, in an effort to foster the Navy’s relationship with the community, provide access and educate the public on what NAVSTA Norfolk Sailors and civilians do on a day-to-day basis the base opened its gates to the general public hosting approximately 19,900 guests.
“Both STEM Day and Fleet Fest 2023 were a resounding success,” said Capt. Janet Days, Naval Station Norfolk Commanding Officer. “Throughout STEM and Fleet Fest we were honored to show nearly 25,000 people what our proud Sailors and civilians do each and every day at the world’s largest and best naval installation.”
The day-long event consisted of tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), a chili cook-off, a car show, static displays and live entertainment by U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans.
“We drove the whole way from Michigan and are so glad we made the trip,” said Fleet Fest attendee Arianna Singleton. “I came to tour the two Navy ships and Coast Guard Cutters but ended up hanging out all day enjoying all the activities. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Really a dream come true.”
An addition to this year’s festivities included tours onboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Seneca (WMEC 906) and Rollin Fritch (WPC 111) along with static displays from the U.S. Marine Corps, live demonstrations and a F-18A flyover.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my team, the support for our tenants was phenomenal and also the support from our brethren, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps,” said Days. “I especially want
to thank EVERYONE who came out to enjoy the event. Fleet Fest will be back even bigger and better next year.”
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2023 09:40 |
| Story ID: | 456483 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 228 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, NAVSTA Norfolk’s Fleet Fest brings record numbers, by Kelly Wirfel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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