The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulled in to Naval Station Mayport Nov. 2, to be honored by the City of Jacksonville during its annual Week of Valor.
The annual Week of Valor is a tribute to military members and their families.
“The event celebrates the city of Jacksonville’s long-term relationship with the Navy, and the long tradition of support the city and its surrounding communities have provided Sailors and Marines, ” said Capt. Erik Ross , commanding officer of the Bataan.
During guided ship tours, Bataan will showcase the ship on the pier at Naval Station Mayport. Sailors will engage the public with displays and a pregame concert performed by Little Big Town at the pier-side entertainment complex.
“We plan to showcase what an amphibious ready group looks like, why we are different and allow the public to see how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Ross.
Sailors aboard the Bataan remain focused on the final preparations necessary for the event, but have begun to show their excitement.
“I am happy to be going back home to Florida,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Elizabeth Blasco . “ It is great to get off the ship for an event like this.”
“It is an awesome opportunity to host a basketball game on a flight deck, but the event means much more than that, ” said Ross. “It is about recognizing the relationship between the community and our military. It is about honoring those who have served before and are serving now.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 6, 2012; Image: US Navy