Naval Museum participates in Navy Night at Harbor Park Baseball Stadium

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Aaron M Bewkes | 180811-N-RU084-002 NORFOLK (Aug. 11, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Laquan Thompson assigned to USS Laboon (DDG 58) meets Rip Tide, one of the Norfolk Tides’ mascots, during Navy Night at Harbor Park Stadium. The Norfolk Tides host Navy Night annually to honor the men and woman of the United States Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aaron Bewkes/Released)  

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

08.13.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

Harbor Park sits on the Elizabeth River in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. It is home to the Norfolk Tides, a minor league baseball team and a farm team of the Baltimore Orioles. The stadium sits within view of local shipyards which employ thousands in the Hampton Roads area, and contribute to the areas rich Naval history. Recent additions to the minor league baseball stadium include a light rail station and an AAMTRAK train station, with daily service to our nation’s capital. The stadium can easily seat well over 11,000 visitors; and the evening’s torrential downpour did not hamper the mood of spectators who were there for Navy Night.

The Norfolk Tides have hosted Navy Night at the stadium annually for the past few years. The annual event honors the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads Area, and was well attended despite the rain and humidity. Intermingled among the vendors selling hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and peanuts were exhibitors from Fleet and Family Services, Navy MWR, the American Legion and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. At the Museum’s table were Lego models which were a highlight of their signature Lego Brick by Brick building event. Veteran visitors to the table exchanged sea stories with the Museum’s volunteer coordinator, Darcy Sink. Prior to the game starting, Riptide, the mascot for the Norfolk Tides made the rounds; which made for a wonderful photo-op for many.

Once the rain subsided, pre-game festivities started. Members of the Naval Station Norfolk’s Color Guard were on-hand to present the colors. Rear Admiral Chip Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic was on hand to administer the Oath of Enlistment to several delayed entry recruits on the field. Area commanders were on-hand as well, representing area naval facilities; including Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, Naval Station Norfolk, and Oceana Naval Air Station. First pitches were thrown by area sailors, and the National Anthem was performed IT2 Kiara Romero, from Naval Information Forces. Thereafter, the Norfolk Tides and the Columbus Clippers commenced the event for the evening, and played ball.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone].

• Date Taken: 08.13.2018
• Date Posted: 08.13.2018 13:22
• Story ID: 288502
• Location: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US