The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard performs at the Virginia War Memorial during Richmond Navy Week 2025, May 16. Richmond Navy Week is one of 15 during the Navy’s 250th year celebration, bringing 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. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people–about half the U.S. population. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Peña)
The U.S. Navy reports its return to Columbus, Ohio, for Navy Week, August 18 to 24. As part of the Navy’s signature outreach initiative, Columbus Navy Week will bring 50 to 60 sailors to the city to engage with the community through a schedule of performances, educational outreach and community service projects. The events will lead into the Columbus Air Show, August 22 to 24, at Rickenbacker International Airport, featuring the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
This marks a celebrated return to Columbus reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to connecting with communities across the country. Navy Week provides a unique opportunity for residents to meet sailors from across the fleet and gain a deeper understanding of the Navy’s vital role in national security and global operations. The week will feature a range of activities including Navy band performances, senior leader engagements, STEM demonstrations and visits to schools, nonprofits and local businesses.
This year holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday—a historic milestone celebrating a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security and global leadership.
“America is a maritime nation, and 90 percent of global commerce travels through the waters that our Navy has safeguarded for 250 years,” said Commander Julie Holland, director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach. “During Columbus Navy Week, the Navy will bring sailors to the Ohio state capital to give residents a chance to meet the sailors who make America’s Navy the strongest and most trusted in the world. These men and women represent a legacy of character, competence and commitment, continuing a 250-year tradition of strength and service from the ocean floor to space.”
Since its inception in 2005, the program has visited more than 95 markets across the United States. The week will feature a lineup of activities designed to educate, inspire and strengthen community ties:
•Senior Navy Leaders: Meet and hear from Rear Admiral Tracy Hines, senior executive for Columbus Navy Week.
•Namesake Ships: Interact with sailors serving aboard the USS Columbus (SSN-762).
•U.S. Fleet Forces Band: Enjoy live musical performances and masterclasses led by Navy musicians.
•Naval History and Heritage Command: Explore the rich connection between Columbus and the Navy through interactive presentations and educational programs.
•USS Constitution: Witness demonstrations featuring the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship and its enduring legacy.
•Navy Talent Acquisition Group Ohio River Valley: Discover opportunities within the Navy through community projects, displays and career discussions.
•Plus many more sailors serving across the fleet representing a wide range of naval STEM capabilities, including hometown sailors from the heart of Columbus.
Columbus Navy Week brings the Navy to regions without a major naval presence, fostering connections and showcasing how the Navy’s mission ensures the security, prosperity and freedom of our nation.
For more details on Columbus Navy Week, visit outreach.navy.mil/navyweeks/.
