Cleveland, Ohio is gearing up to welcome the United States Navy for a remarkable week of events, education, and community engagement. From September 4th to 10th, 2023, the city will play host to the tenth Navy Week of the year. This will be the Navy’s first return to Cleveland since its last visit in 2018.

Cleveland Navy Week coincides with the 210th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a historic naval conflict that occurred on September 10, 1813, between American Naval Forces and the British Fleet.- Photo provided by the Navy

Cleveland Navy Week is not only an occasion for sailors to commemorate historical milestones but also serves as an opportunity for the Navy to connect with the local community. Throughout Cleveland Navy Week, Sailors will be participating in various community events across the city.

The sailors will engage with students from local high schools, interact with youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland, contribute to volunteer efforts at organizations like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, and be present at popular venues like the Great Lakes Science Center, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. U.S. Fleet Forces Band will also be performing for local residents and visitors.

Photo provided by the Navy

Between 50 and 75 dedicated Sailors from across the nation will participate in Cleveland Navy Week. These Sailors will volunteer throughout the community, sharing their experiences, expertise, and stories about why the Navy matters to Cleveland, the state of Ohio, and the entire United States.

A range of events is scheduled throughout the week, allowing residents and visitors alike to engage with the Navy and learn about its rich history and capabilities. Some of the highlights include:

  • Senior Navy Leaders: The presence of flag officers and senior civilian Navy leaders with ties to Cleveland and the surrounding area underscores the Navy’s commitment to the city and its people.

  • Namesake Sailors: Sailors from USS Cleveland (LCS 31), a freedom-class littoral combat ship, and USS Ohio (SSGN 726), an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, will be on hand to share insights into their roles and the technologies they operate.

  • U.S. Fleet Forces Band: The Navy Musicians will entertain the audience with performances and masterclasses, highlighting the integral role of music in the Navy.

  • Naval History and Heritage Command: Educational presentations and lesson plans will shed light on the deep connections between Ohio and the Navy, allowing attendees to delve into the nation’s maritime heritage.

  • USS Constitution: Demonstrations about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy will provide a glimpse into history and the Navy’s long-standing traditions.

  • Navy Expeditionary Combat Command: Engaging STEM presentations and fitness demonstrations by technicians, medics, and divers underscore the Navy’s commitment to technological advancement and physical excellence.

  • U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command: An educational presentation will emphasize the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and its contributions to both the Navy and the broader scientific community.

  • Office of Small Business Programs: Workshops on doing business with the Department of the Navy offer insight into opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses to collaborate with the Navy.

  • Navy Talent Acquisition Group: Educational presentations, community service projects, and static displays showcase the diverse talents and opportunities within the Navy.

    See the full schedule of public events

– Photo provided by the Navy

The Navy Week program is a flagship outreach effort, coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), to engage with regions that may not have a significant Navy presence. Since its inception in 2005, over 250 Navy Weeks have been held in more than 80 different U.S. markets. This initiative aims to make the Navy more accessible and tangible to the public, fostering understanding and appreciation for its role in ensuring national security and prosperity.

According to NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo, “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.” This sentiment underscores the significance of events like Cleveland Navy Week in bridging the gap between the Navy and the people it protects.

Cleveland Navy Week is just one of 13 Navy Weeks planned for 2023, collectively reaching over 140 million people—roughly half the U.S. population. As the Navy continues to fulfill its role in national security, initiatives like Navy Week stand as a testament to the Navy’s commitment to connecting with the people it serves.