Cheyenne Navy Week Kicks Off

 

Rear Adm. Michael White, commander, Naval Education Training Command, from Denver, accepted a proclamation from Cheyenne's Mayor Richard Kaysen during the Cheyenne Navy Week Kick-Off Concert, July 14.

The Kick-Off Concert featured U.S. Navy Band Southwest's Brass Quintet and their popular music group the "Destroyers," as well as a screening of "Top Gun".

"We here in Cheyenne are proud to be one of 12 cities chosen to host Navy Week," the mayor said. "This weeklong celebration gives our residents a rare opportunity to meet with Sailors and thank them for what they do."

More than 150 residents came to show their support to their Navy, while also enjoying the festivities.

"This community has been extremely welcoming for myself and all of the Sailors here," said White. "Cheyenne is a very patriotic city and it shows each and every time I attend an event."

In addition to the concert, Navy Recruiting Command provided games highlighting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while Sailors attached to the USS Constitution and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1 gave presentations at Laramie County Library.

"It is important to have events like these because we don't live by any major bodies of water, and it is good to educate kids on what the Navy does for all of us," said Beth Cook, manager of Youth and Outreach Services. "STEM is huge here because it gives children an opportunity they may have not had before."

As Navy Week continues through July 19, Sailors will continue to engage with residents at community and civic organizations. The week will conclude at one of the largest rodeos in America, Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The Navy Week program is designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas across the country that traditionally do not have a naval presence, and to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects through community relation projects, speaking engagements, STEM demonstrations and media interviews with flag hosts and local area Sailors.