By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps completed participation in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012 , as four Navy ships, one submarine and one Coast Guard cutter departed April 30 following a five-day visit intended bring the military and local civilian communities together.
Throughout the week, Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen participated in numerous Fleet Week community relations events at various locations throughout Port Everglades and surrounding areas. According to Broward Navy Days Chairperson Mary Anne Gray, this year's event was a resounding success.
"We look forward to this event every year because we want to honor our service members," she said. "We get to meet great people who serve selflessly every day to keep this country safe and we want them to have a great time and show them the appreciation they deserve."
This year's festivities featured a variety of events, including 15 community relations projects, ship tours for the public, Damage Control Olympics, "Galley Wars," a blood drive, a military-civilian fishing tournament, and a military-civilian five-kilometer run. According to Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SS/DV) Chris Duman, who participated in a community relations project at Harbordale Elementary School, the week was a rewarding experience for those who engaged in community service projects.
"Being able to come out here and spend the time with the children of the community has been absolutely great," he said. "It's an opportunity for us and the kids to get together and learn more about each other. Who knows, maybe today will have such an impact on one of these kids and they go on to be a great leader in the Navy."
Four U.S. Navy ships, a submarine and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter participated in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012, an event designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.