Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Shayla Hamilton | Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, commander, Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC)...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Against the historic backdrop of the Alamo, the U.S. Navy showcased its deep-rooted presence in "Military City, USA" during the annual Navy Day at the Alamo celebration, April 23, 2026. The event is a long-standing tradition taking place during Fiesta San Antonio, offering the public a unique glimpse into the critical training and operations conducted by Sailors in the region.
The ceremony, hosted by Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland, featured remarks from keynote speaker U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, the senior Naval officer in San Antonio, and commander of Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC). In his remarks to the guests and community members, Brafford highlighted the Navy's significant training footprint in San Antonio and celebrated the dedication of those who serve.
“Our Navy is strong because it reflects America,” said Brafford. “We pursue talent relentlessly, recruiting from a diverse pool of sons and daughters who voluntarily commit on day one to serving our Nation—much like the brave men who fought on this hallowed ground 190 years ago.”
San Antonio, though hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, is home to some of the Navy's most vital entry-level and advanced technical training schools including both the hospital corpsman and master-at-arms “A” schools.
“When you consider the legacy of our United States Navy, San Antonio may not be the first fleet concentration area that comes to mind,” said Brafford. “People often think of San Diego, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Pearl Harbor, or the Puget Sound. However, like the Alamo behind me, the Navy presence in Texas and San Antonio is long-standing and enduring. The Navy doesn't just have a history in Texas—it has a future in Texas.”
The ceremony featured presentations from Navy Medicine Training Support Command, NTTC Lackland, Navy Reserve Center San Antonio, and an enlistment ceremony, where seven future Sailors were sworn in by U.S. Navy Lt. Amethyst Marrone, officer recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio.
A solemn tone marked the middle of the ceremony with a tribute to master-at-arms who have fallen in the line of duty. The Navy Reserve Center San Antonio funeral honors detail followed the tribute with a flag-folding ceremony.
The U.S. Navy’s participation in Fiesta is a tradition that honors the deep, historic ties between the city of San Antonio and the United States Armed Forces. The annual celebration, which began in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, has grown to include all branches of the military, reaffirming the city’s identity as a cornerstone of national defense.
“Since the formation of the Texas Navy in 1835, a harmonious relationship has served both the Navy and the city of San Antonio,” said Brafford. “On behalf of every Sailor in Military City USA, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you, San Antonio, for making us feel at home—whether we are here for a few weeks of training or staying to retire the uniform.”
NMFDC is the headquarters element designated within the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as a direct subordinate to the Surgeon General of the Navy, charged with leading and managing all medical training, education, professional development, and instruction to produce highly trained and ready medical personnel.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2026 14:35 |
| Story ID: | 563591 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Navy showcases mission, honors fallen during Fiesta 2026, by PO1 Shayla Hamilton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
