Photo By Christy Trabun | NSA Mechanicsburg’s annual Salute to Summer event drew hundreds to the...... read more read more
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — The rain held off, the sun stayed mild, and aside from a little patience needed to wait for darkness, everything aligned for another successful Salute to Summer June 28 - this year with a special nod to the Navy’s 250th Birthday.
NSA Mechanicsburg’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team welcomed hundreds of attendees to the Multipurpose Field on Saturday evening. While waiting for the fireworks to begin, guests enjoyed a range of activities, including field games, inflatable attractions, a dunk tank, a car show, food trucks, and a beverage tent.
This year’s car show drew nearly 20 entries and was judged by NSA Mechanicsburg’s Commanding Officer, CAPT Geno Dawson. He evaluated each vehicle’s age, interior, engine, and overall presentation. First place went to Tom Miller for his eye-catching, cherry-red 1964 Volvo P1800S, while runner-up was a fan-favorite, slate-blue 1952 Ford F-1 pickup truck owned by Weldon Thomas.
The event is held each year in partnership with Hampden Township, whose Park and Pool area - just north of the installation’s fenceline - hosts its own “Fun Food Fest.” With food trucks, live music, and poolside fun, community members gathered to enjoy the summer evening and await the fireworks show. The township provides the fireworks, while the installation supports the launch operations, offering a safe staging area and oversight from the NSA Mechanicsburg Safety Office and Explosive Safety Officer, Dan Schismenos.
Just before the show began, CAPT Dawson met with Hampden Township Commissioner Al Bienstock at the Fun Food Fest and walked around the community’s event - symbolizing the strong, ongoing partnership between the base and its nearest neighbors. The relationship is rooted in shared purpose and mutual support, reflecting the Navy’s enduring legacy as a trusted presence in American life for 250 years.
The night’s grand finale kicked off at 9:15 p.m., just as the fireflies had nearly convinced the kids they were the main event. A dazzling 20-minute fireworks display lit up the sky, culminating in an electrifying finale that could be heard and felt across the township and base.
Special thanks go out to the MWR team for organizing the event and coordinating all its moving parts. Thanks also to Dan Schismenos for ensuring the fireworks launch was safe and successful. Most of all, thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate a summer night under a shared sky - honoring both community fun and 250 years of Navy excellence.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2025 14:29 |
| Story ID: | 501902 |
| Location: | MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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