"Some may ask 'why host a Navy Week in Albuquerque?' Even though there may not be an ocean here, there is a sea of support for the Navy from this city and throughout the state," said Bushong. "We are in Albuquerque to give back to the community and to thank the citizens of the city and state for supporting the world's finest maritime force."
As part of this year's activities, Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez proclaimed Oct. 3 through 11 Navy Week in Albuquerque.
During the Albuquerque Navy Week, crews from Los-Angeles class attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), Virginia class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779), USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" and other local Reserve and active duty Sailors visited the city and participated in various community projects, such as, visiting the Children's Center at Presbyterian Hospital as part of the Caps for Kids program; tutoring students at Albuquerque Heights and Rio Rancho Boys and Girls Clubs; and, repairing and refurbishing the Ronald McDonald House.
Other Navy attractions during Albuquerque Navy Week included, Navy Band Southwest "Destroyers" performances, a Blue Angels F/A-18 Flight Simulator, an Accelerate Your Life Simulator and a Navy Theme-Wrapped Suburban.
The Navy - New Mexico connection can be traced as far back as the early 1900s when the battleship New Mexico was in service from 1917 to 1946. During World War II, the battleship operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and participated in six major battles.
The next USS New Mexico, a Virginia class submarine, is completing construction, should go on sea trials in November and will be commissioned and delivered to the Navy early next year. The submarine has received outstanding support from the Navy League's New Mexico Council in partnership with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, USS Albuquerque and USS Santa Fe are named after New Mexico cities and have long relationships with their namesakes.
|
|
