Navy League of the United States - Citizens in Support of the Sea Services

Broward County Council hosts Fleet Week events, provides support to our Marines, donates to NOSC...

Submitted by Bob Hein

Fleet Week

More then seventy guests recently had the opportunity to spend several days onboard the USS Iwo Jima while it was under sail from Norfolk to Port Everglades for Fleet Week 2008.

With the arrival of the majority of the ships on Monday morning, Fleet Week got underway in earnest with an All Hands Party at the Hard Rock Seminole Caf�, Paradise Village. Touring for prearranged groups, including a large number of local area students, began on Tuesday morning and continued throughout the week. The tours were conducted by crew members of the ships, with assistance from volunteers from the Broward County Council, other area Navy Leagues and Broward Navy Days.

Joe Milsaps of Broward Council addresses a crowd of Sailors from Carrier Task Group 12

Off-duty crew members took part in numerous community relations events, including visits to local schools, hospitals, and convalescent care facilities, while thirty Sailors spent three days assisting with a Habitat for Humanity project.

It wasn�t all work � there were golf tournaments, athletic and damage control competitions, and numerous opportunities to enjoy local area attractions, including fishing, shopping trips, and complimentary rides on the Jungle Queen.

On Tuesday evening, a Junior Officers Party that has become �Famous Fleet Wide� was held at Briny's Riverfront Irish Bar and Restaurant on the Las Olas Riverfront. Briny's is a Community Affiliate of the Broward County Council, which is the event�s traditional sponsor, and they did their usual outstanding job of hosting more then 150 Junior Officers, as well as Navy Leaguers and local citizens.

A Chief Petty Officers Party sponsored by the CPOA was held at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, and was also well attended and very successful.

On Wednesday, the various ships and the submarine hosted the Celebrity Chef�s Luncheon, an event where local area chefs prepare lunch for CO�s, selected crew members, and invited guests.

That evening, �Hit the Beach� parties for each ship were held at various locations throughout the beach area. These events were hosted by the four area Navy League Councils, Ft. Lauderdale�s U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the CPOA, and BND.

The ships in port for Fleet Week were: USS Iwo Jima LPH-7; USS Carter Hall LSD-50; USS Mitcher DDG-57; USS Pittsburg SSN-720; USS Ramage DDG-61; USS Vella Gulf CG-72; and USCGC Reliance WMEC-615.

Iwo Jima Reception photo

The stars were shining brightly above Friday evening�s onboard reception on the USS Iwo Jima (above). More then a thousand invited guests shared in the good will exhibited by our Navy during Fort Lauderdale�s Fleet Week 2008. The reception was the culmination of the week�s activities and the Navy's way of showing their appreciation. Civilian guests enjoyed the hangar bay festivities as well as the numerous static displays on the flight deck.

CNO Gary Roughead chats with Broward County Council member, Denise Hein

The event was well attended by local dignitaries and Navy Brass. Congressman Ron Klein was there, along with several area mayors and numerous business leaders. The Navy was represented by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead (pictured above with Denise Hein of the Broward County Council), USN, Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Vice Admiral Bob T. Conway JR, USN Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Admiral Evan M. Chanik, USN, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and RADM Daniel P Holloway, USN Commander Carrier Task Group 12. It was a memorable event and a fitting close to a memorable week.

Marine Support Program

As part of their Marine Support Program, the Broward County Council sends whatever our Marine Reservists need, including Cliff Bars, Handi Wipes and, as indicated in the following letter from one of the Marine officers, much-appreciated socks.

"Sorry for such a delay, but this is the first time that I have been near a computer in over a month. We just got some R&R for the first time since we moved into the attack against the Taliban over here in Garmsir.

We did get the socks, and let me tell you, not a day to soon. We had originally only planned on being away from our main base for about 2 weeks. Well, that has now turned into several months. Most of our socks were at the point where they could stand up on their own. All my Marines are grateful for your help and care package. Putting a clean pair of socks on feet that haven't been washed in over 30 days never felt so good. I am not sure when the next time I will be able to get on the internet again, but I want to thank you so much for your help and support."

1stLt Lynch

Navy Operational Support Center holds annual Family Preparedness Day

The purpose of the event was to provide service-member benefit and program information to the local Navy reservists and their families. The day also saluted those reservists who have served and provided a day of enjoyment for families of sailors attached to NOSC Miami.

Approximately 400-500 Navy Reservists and their dependents and family members from the local community attended. Representatives from the Americian Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with other support organizations, were represented.

There was entertainment and food for all who attended. The Broward County Council made a financial donation to support this event and several Council members attended.

Al & Shelly Stein set up their book "sale" and donated the proceeds to the NOSC's MWR fund.