Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Christiena Taralson | Members of Navy Band Southwest, stationed in San Diego, CA perform at neighborhood...... read more read more
The U.S. Navy will bring more than 70 Sailors to national parks across the Nation for National Parks Navy Week, April 19-25, as part of the Navy Week outreach program.
The Navy will partner with the gateway communities of Hot Springs, Arkansas; St. George, Utah; Knoxville, Tennessee; Port Angeles, Washington; Cortez, Colorado; Homestead, Florida; and Cleveland, Ohio to engage residents through a weeklong series of performances, educational events, and community service projects.
As the Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, Navy Weeks will embark on a celebratory "Road Trip to 250." Navy Weeks will serve as symbolic "pit stops" across the country, highlighting the Navy’s rich history and its enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting communities. National park “stops” include Hot Springs, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Mesa Verde, Everglades, Cuyahoga Valley National Parks, and the National Mall and Memorial Park.
National parks plays a significant role in our Nation’s rich history, making them key landmarks on our journey as we celebrate 250 years of Freedom. The Navy has named 76 ships in honor of or with a significant connection to our national parks. Today, the Navy’s partnership with the National Park Service is built on shared values, deep community ties, and a mutual commitment to service, stewardship, and our Nation. National Parks Navy Week honors that legacy while strengthening connections between Sailors and the communities they proudly serve.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, National Parks Navy Week reflects the enduring bond between the Navy, the American people, and the ideals of freedom we are sworn to defend,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, director, Navy Office of Community Outreach. “Ninety percent of global trade moves by sea, and the Navy ensures goods, energy, and critical resources reach American businesses and families. Through our Road Trip 250, we are bringing Sailors into communities across the country to honor our heritage, inspire the next generation, and demonstrate a Navy that remains ready, innovative, and connected to the Nation it serves.”
Throughout the week, a variety of Sailors are visiting eight national parks, with a different park focus each day. These Sailors are coming from across the Fleet, and includes senior executives Rear Adm. Michael Mattis, Rear Adm. Tracy Hines and Cmdr. Christopher Yates, and Sailors from regional Navy Talent Acquisition Groups, regional Navy bands, USS Constitution, U.S. Ceremonial Guard, Fleet Weather Center - San Diego, Navy History and Heritage Command, the future USS Utah (SSN 801), USS Washington (SSN 787), USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Naval Hospital Bremerton, Navy Region Northwest, Bureau of Navy Medicine, and Naval Air Station Key West.
Navy Week Public Events Include:
<br> · Junior Ranger Day at Hot Springs National Park
· Flag Retirement Ceremony at Zion National Park
· Navy Band Southwest performance at O.C Tanner amphitheater at Zion National Park
· Knoxville Smokies Baseball Navy engagement
· Olympic National Park Band Performance with our Senior Navy Executive
· Flag Raising at Mesa Verde National Park
· Zoo Miami displays and Navy band performance
· National Mall displays from Navy History and Heritage command
<br> Navy Weeks bring the Navy to regions without a major naval presence, fostering connections and showcasing how the Navy’s mission ensures security, prosperity and freedom for our nation. The Navy Week program has visited over 100 U.S. markets since the program’s inception in 2005.
For more information about National Parks Navy Week, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/navy-weeks/
Media inquiries may be directed to Lt. Cmdr. Caroline Henson at mailto:caroline.e.henson.mil@us.navy.mil.
Follow Navy Outreach on social media at @NavyOutreach on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and join the conversation using #NavyWeek and #Freedom250.
| Date Taken: | 04.16.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.16.2026 22:49 |
| Story ID: | 562941 |
| Location: | MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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