Navy Week comes to Springfield, Branson areas for first time

Myriad local organizations are participating in the first Navy Week community outreach initiative held in the Springfield and Branson areas.

The Aug. 25-31 initiative, which coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, brings dozens of sailors to Branson and Springfield to connect with the community via performances, educational events and service projects, according to a news release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach. The release notes more than 80 sailors will take place in the Navy Week initiative.

In Branson, the city board of aldermen is poised to adopt a proclamation declaring Aug. 25-31 as Navy Week in Branson, at the meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m. On Aug. 30 and 31, a Branson Wings of Pride Air Show will take place

"Navy Weeks bring the fleet to communities that may not see or interact with the Navy every day, giving Americans the chance to meet the sailors who stand watch 24/7 — from the depths of the ocean to space, cyberspace and beyond," said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director, in the release.

Sailors visiting Springfield will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Ozark Food Harvest, Convoy of Hope, Springfield Community Gardens and Dickerson Park Zoo.

Additionally, free community events will be held by The Warrior’s Journey and Wonders of Wildlife.

On Aug. 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Warrior’s Journey will host a military appreciation event at its headquarters, 3555 N. Glenstone Ave., with food trucks, fireworks and the U.S. Navy Band.

At 3 p.m. on Aug. 29, Wonders of Wildlife will host Cap. Christopher “Chowdah” Hill, commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, for a speaking engagement that is open to the public.

The local Navy Week is one of 15 planned in 2025. The program, which began in 2005, has a mission to bring a variety of assets, equipment and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects.