Navy Week Makes a Splashy Return to Albuquerque

Albuquerque is set to host its Navy Week, bringing Sailors from across the fleet to the city to emphasize the Navy’s importance to the region and the nation. Over 50 Sailors will participate in educational and community outreach events throughout Albuquerque.

The event will feature various Navy organizations, including Navy Band Southwest, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Navy Construction Group One, and U.S. Navy Esports. Additionally, units like the United States Ceremonial Guard, Navy Bureau of Medicine, and the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) will participate.

Adm. Stuart Munsch, a United States Naval Academy graduate and Rhodes scholar, will serve as the senior executive for this Navy Week. Munsch, who previously commanded the USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the city. “Our Navy ensures the free flow of maritime commerce that keeps the global economy, including New Mexico’s, running,” Munsch said.

Throughout the week, Sailors will engage in various activities, including meeting with students and local leaders. Navy Weeks aim to give Americans insights into the Navy and its crucial role in national security and prosperity, particularly in areas without significant Navy presence.

Cmdr. Julie Holland, NAVCO’s director, highlighted the value of these engagements. “Sailors’ strong character, competence, and dedication to the mission make America’s Navy the most powerful in the world,” she said. “We are thrilled to bring Navy Warfighters to Albuquerque.”

The week’s events include interactions with students from multiple high schools, volunteering at Roadrunner Foodbank and Habitat for Humanity, and appearances at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Residents will also enjoy free live performances by Navy Band Southwest throughout the week.

Albuquerque Navy Week is a part of a broader program bringing the Navy closer to the public. This initiative, in place since 2005, reaches over 130 million people annually, making it the Navy’s primary outreach effort in regions lacking a significant naval presence.

Media organizations wishing to cover Albuquerque Navy Week events should contact Lt. j.g. Madison Kwok at (808) 754-6863 or Madison.k.kwok.mil@us.navy.mil.