Fort Lauderdale Celebrates the Naval Services

Generations of Service

One of the incredible opportunities for Sailors and Veterans alike was the opportunity for past service members to meet one-on-one with current Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines. Electricians Mate 1st class Stephanie Brunk, attached to the USS Cole, spoke with a veteran at the Alexander Ninninger Veterans Home in Fort Lauderdale. It is a memory she will cherish throughout her service.

Ships in Port, Time for Liberty

Four Navy ships visited Fleet Week Port Everglades: USS New York, USS Cole, USS Indiana, and USNS Newport. We will also hosted Marines from the 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion and Coast Guardsmen from Sector Miami and the crew of the Fast Response Cutter William Flores.

Sailors of the Year

The Fort Lauderdale Council of the Navy League honored Sailors during an Enlisted Person of the Year banquet Apr. 27. Sailors of the Year from visiting Fleet Week commands as well as those from military commands in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas were invited to the event. American Legion Post 142 hosted the dinner for the Sailors along with a ceremony to thank them for their service.

Each Sailor received a plaque honoring their achievement. The service members recognized include: Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kristin Stoops, Navy Counselor 1st Class Amarachi Abiodun, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Rodrick Sheridan. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Ernesto Rivera, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Michael Brown, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Charmae Peria and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sydney Thayer.