Navy Week “tees off” in Charlotte

Navy Week "tees off" in Charlotte

by Lt. j.g. Josh Keim, U.S. Navy, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The U.S Navy will arrive in the Queen City May 4-10 for the first time since 2007, offering residents a unique opportunity to meet Sailors, experience naval traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the Navy's role in national defense and global security.

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.

Over 50 sailors from across the Fleet will gather to represent the service in Charlotte. While the city itself does not have a naval presence, North Carolina is home to rich naval history, including the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, USS Charlotte (SSN 766). The state proudly supports more than 11,000 active-duty sailors who call North Carolina home, underscoring its strong connection to the U.S. Navy.

Amongst those incoming sailors is Petty Officer 1st Class Devon Harrison, a native of Mebane, North Carolina.

"Participating in Navy Week is important to me because I owe everything I am today to Charlotte," said Harrison, who is currently stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland. "The biggest lesson my hometown taught me is resilience. I was blessed to have many coaches who guided me along the way and their leadership has enabled me to thrive in work environments you'd never imagined."

Navy Week connects communities without a large naval presence to the men and women who serve. Highlights of the week will include:

• Performances and displays in partnership with the Truist Championship
• On-field participation at the Charlotte Knights vs Gwinnett Stripers game
• Displays at South Park After 5
• U.S Fleet Forces Band performance at the Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market
• Navy Day at Discovery Place

For more details about Charlotte Navy Week, contact Lt. j.g. Josh Keim at [email protected]. Follow Navy Outreach on social media @NavyOutreach on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and connect using #NavyWeek.