NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Naval Station Norfolk announced the return of their STEM Days and Fleet Fest.
The STEM Days go from Oct. 17-18 with Fleet Fest taking place on Oct. 19.
The two STEM Days include nearly 5,500 local 5th and 6th grade students from Portsmouth Public School District and Norfolk Public School District. Students are able to tour various Navy warships, aircraft static displays and participate in more than 45 STEM exhibits.
For Fleet Fest the next day, the base will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Fleet Fest is a prime opportunity for us to open the gates to the Hampton Roads community, guests from throughout the United States and all over the globe to see the world’s largest and most operational naval station, Naval Station Norfolk,” said Capt. Matt Schlarmann, NAVSTA Norfolk Commanding Officer. “For us, it’s all about accessibility. We want to provide access, so the guests have an opportunity to see what our Sailors and civilians do each and every day in defense of our country.”
Two U.S. Navy ships are expected to participate in Fleet Fest and provide tours throughout the day. Participating ships include USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). United States Coast Guard Cutters Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC 1128) and Vigorous (WMEC 627) will also be open for tours.
In addition to public visitation of participating ships, there will be numerous other activities to include a free carnival, live music by United States Fleet Forces Rock Band and The Deloreans, a car show, chili cook-off, food trucks, live demonstrations and much more that highlight the mission of Naval Station Norfolk.
Guests attending Fleet Fest need to enter base via Gate 2 located at the corner of Admiral Taussig Blvd. and Hampton Blvd. Once on base, signs point to the event site at the Pier 14 area of the base.