Navy Secretary arrives in Baltimore for Star-Spangled Spectacular

Photo By Jerry Foltz | Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus is interviewed by local media about the city of Baltimore's Star-Spangled Spectacular Navy Week. This event celebrates the bicentennial of the Battle of Baltimore which provided the backdrop for Francis Scott Key's famous poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry," which later became America's national anthem. More than 30 ships from the U.S. and foreign nations, and the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aircraft will be on display and open to the public. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Jerry Foltz/Released)  

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

09.10.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval District Washington

By MCC Jerry Foltz
Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

BALTIMORE, Md. – Today, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus arrived in Baltimore, MD aboard the U.S. Naval Ship Choctaw County for the beginning of the Baltimore Navy Week and the Star Spangled Spectacular.

The Choctaw County is named after Choctaw County, Miss., where Mabus served as the state’s governor for four years from 1988-1992. The ship’s sponsors were in fact classmates of Mabus’ in high school.

Mabus encouraged local residents to take advantage of the week's celebration to immerse themselves into the naval history and tradition that Baltimore and Sailors played in the foundation of our country, and the Sailors who currently serve.

“When you talk to these Sailors, get to know more about them. Get to know where they are from and what they do on in the Navy,” Mabus said.

Mabus also reminded the community to ask, take and post ‘Selfies with a Sailor’. Images can be uploaded to all social media sites using #selfiewithasailor.

Baltimore Navy Week runs from September 10-16, 2014 and is part of the city of Baltimore’s Star Spangled Spectacular. This event celebrates the bicentennial of the Battle of Baltimore which provided the backdrop of Francis Scott Key’s famous poem, “The Defence of Fort McHenry,” which later became America’s national anthem. Along with more than 30 ships from the U.S. and foreign nations, the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels will be on display and accessible to the public.

To learn more about Baltimore Navy Week, visit www.navy.mil and to learn more about the Star Spangled Spectacular, visit http://www.starspangled200.com

• Date Taken: 09.10.2014
• Date Posted: 09.11.2014 15:59
• Story ID: 141856
• Location: BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, US