Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ace Foster | 260328-N-GB594-1007 NORFOLK, Va. – Rear Adm. Mel Smith, commander, Submarine Group 2, throws the ceremonial first pitch during the Norfolk Tides' Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Night at Harbor Park, March 28, 2026. The annual event helps raise awareness and support for NMCRS, which provides financial assistance and education to sailors, Marines, and their families. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Foster) see less
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Submarine Group 2 Commander Throws First Pitch for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Night
HEADLINE: Submarine Group 2 Commander Throws First Pitch for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Night
BY:[Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Foster]
NORFOLK, Va. –Rear Adm. Mel Smith, commander, Submarine Group 2, delivered the ceremonial first pitch to a Norfolk Tides player at Harbor Park, March 28, kicking off the team’s annual Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Night.
The evening’s military festivities began with the presentation of colors by the color guard from Submarine Readiness Squadron 34. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the NMCRS, raising funds and awareness for the organization’s mission.
"Being out on the mound was a tremendous honor,” said Smith. “For me, this pitch isn't just a baseball tradition; it’s a symbol of the trust and partnership between our military and the Hampton Roads community. To be able to stand on behalf of every Sailor and Marine—the ones deployed overseas and the ones standing the watch right here at home—and to do it in support of an organization like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, is a privilege I don't take lightly."
Lindsey Fischler, the active duty fund drive lead for the Norfolk NMCRS office, emphasized the tangible impact of the night's support.
"The support we receive from Navy leadership and the entire community at events like this is absolutely vital," said Fischler. "Every dollar raised and every person who learns about our mission tonight translates directly into a Sailor who can afford emergency travel home, a Marine family who can keep their lights on, or a widow who can get the financial counseling they need. We are incredibly grateful to Rear Adm. Smith and the Norfolk Tides for making this night a success."
As the commander of Submarine Group 2, Smith is responsible for undersea operations in the Western Atlantic and forging the future of undersea dominance by integrating autonomous systems and advanced warfighting concepts. For Smith, that excellence begins with ensuring Sailors and their families are taken care of at home.
"We ask our Sailors to be tough, resilient, and relentlessly focused on the mission,” said Smith. “The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is the team that has their back on the home front, ensuring that when personal challenges arise, our warriors have a rock-solid support system to rely on. This partnership is fundamental to building a truly resilient force."
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial assistance, interest-free loans, and educational resources to active-duty and retired sailors and Marines and their families.
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