Navy Week / Naval History and Heritage Command
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) will host the Opening Ceremony for Columbus Navy Week, at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. Columbus Navy Week will bring 50 to 60 sailors to the city to engage with the community through a dynamic schedule of performances, educational outreach and community service projects.
Rear Admiral and Galena, Ohio, native Matthew Pottenburgh will deliver remarks during the program, along with other local leaders and dignitaries. The U.S. Navy Band will perform. Following the ceremony, there will be a “meet-and-greet” opportunity with Navy personnel in attendance. The ceremony kicks off a week of Navy activities throughout the Greater Columbus community.
On Friday, Aug. 22, personnel from the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) will staff two display tables from noon to 7 p.m. in the NVMM, showcasing their mission to collect, preserve, and share 250 years of U.S. Navy history. Museum visitors may explore publications from NHHC historians, learn about the Navy’s museums across the country, and view historic uniform pieces and artwork that bring Navy stories to life. This event is included with regular museum admission, with no advance registration required.
That same evening, Friday, Aug. 22, the NVMM will present “An Evening with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.” The free event will take place on the NVMM Rooftop at 7 p.m. Museum doors will open at 5:30 p.m. allowing event ticketholders to enjoy complimentary after-hours museum admission. The Blue Angels will be the featured performers at the Columbus Air Show Aug. 22-24 at Rickenbacker International Airport.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
In 1946, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, had a vision to create a flight exhibition team in order to raise the public’s interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale. In the 1940’s, the Blue Angels thrilled audiences with their precision combat maneuvers in the F6 Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat and the F9 Panther. During the 1950’s, they refined their demonstration with aerobatic maneuvers in the F9 Cougar and F-11 Tiger and introduced the first six-plane delta formation, still flown to this day. By the end of the 1960’s, the Blue Angels were flying the F-4 Phantom, the only two seat aircraft flown by the delta formation. In 1986, they celebrated their 40th Anniversary by unveiling the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. In 2021, the Blue Angels transitioned to their current aircraft the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and celebrated their 75th anniversary.
