Thank you to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team and our own Vanessa Ford, along with the Springfield High School of Science and Technology (SciTech) JROTC team who presented the colors for helping make Navy Week so special.
There is so much to learn about our 250-year-old Navy and incredible naval history.
Did you know, the USS Springfield (SSN-761), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, is a named in honor of both the cities of Springfield, Illinois and Springfield, Massachusetts? USS Springfield is a source of pride and honor for us all. Many men and women from Massachusetts—and residents of the City of Springfield in particular—have served and continue to serve with honor and distinction in the United States Navy and Navy Reserve.
Navy Captain Jennifer McGuire Haveman returned home here to Western Mass to share about her incredible journey with the US Navy, especially with Navy Medicine. Her story was so heartfelt and we deeply appreciate her being with us for Navy Week. Another fun fact: there are 6 primary medical branches within the U.S. Navy. They are Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps, Hospital Corps, and Civilian Corps. https://www.med.navy.mil/
The City of Springfield is honored to have been designated as an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service (NPS). This honor, awarded through the American World War II Heritage Cities Program, recognizes the invaluable contributions of local towns and cities and commemorates the stories, sacrifices, and enduring spirit of the men and women who shaped the U.S. home front during World War II. Only one city per state or territory may receive this designation, and Springfield is proud to be the first in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be so honored. Springfield was proud to be part of Navy Week and joined for a special Proclamation Ceremony at America’s first federal armory, the Springfield Armory National Historic site earlier this week. Have you ever visited the Springfield Armory? Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm
The people of Springfield are encouraged to join in the observance of Navy Week by engaging with the United States Navy through special events, community programs, and public demonstrations, including appearances by the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Dive Teams, Sailors from the USS Springfield, the Navy Band, the Navy Ceremonial Guard, Sailors from USS Constitution, and the Naval History and Heritage Command. These activities showcase the dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service of our active-duty Navy and Navy Reserve personnel.
There are a few more chances to engage with Navy Week activities, as the Springfield and Connecticut River Valley Navy Week has been uniquely anchored around The Big E — New England’s iconic multi-state fair — offering the Navy an opportunity to engage with thousands of visitors across the six-state region. With many events taking place throughout a region known for its innovation, education, and industry — Navy Week aims to build lasting partnerships in one of the Northeast’s most dynamic population centers.
For more details on Connecticut River Valley Navy Week, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/navy-weeks/
Save the Date for the FREE U. S. Navy Band Concert coming to town on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Springfield Symphony Hall. https://www.spiritofspringfield.org/events/military-concert