Sussex County selected as one of 12 locations NAVCO will visit in 2026 for Navy Week
The U.S. Navy has announced its 2026 Navy Week schedule, and Sussex County, Delaware, will be one of 12 host locations nationwide. Navy Week is set for October 19th through October 25th, 2026, bringing Sailors and Navy outreach events to the area. Navy Weeks are designed to connect communities with the Navy through public events, performances by the U.S. Navy Band, and demonstrations by Sailors—particularly in regions without a large Navy presence. Sussex County will be among eight locations hosting Navy Week for the first time. The 2026 Navy Week season coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, as part of the Navy’s “Road Trip to 250” celebration, highlighting the Navy’s role in defending the country for more than two centuries. Over the past 20 years, the Navy Office of Community Outreach has held more than 300 Navy Weeks across the United States.
Additional Information from Navy Office of Community Outreach:
The Navy Office of Community Outreach recently announced the 12 locations it will visit in 2026 as part of the Navy’s signature outreach program known as Navy Weeks. Navy Weeks provide an opportunity for communities to better understand how the Navy delivers power for peace, from seabed to space.
As the nation celebrates Freedom 250 throughout 2026, the Navy’s Outreach team will embark on a celebratory “Road Trip to 250,” linking key locations in America to our maritime dominance. Navy Weeks will serve as a symbolic link connecting communities across America to their Navy, highlighting the shared history and the enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting our nation’s independence.
2026 Navy Week locations:
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Rio Grande Valley, Texas |
Jan. 26 – Feb. 2 |
|
Honolulu/Hilo, Hawaii |
March 9 – 15 |
|
Lexington, Kentucky |
April 7 – 12 |
|
National Parks |
April 20 – 26 |
|
Charlotte, North Carolina |
May 4 – 10 |
|
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
May 20 – 26 |
|
Omaha, Nebraska |
June 15 – 21 |
|
Billings, Montana |
Aug. 17 – 23 |
|
Burlington, Vermont |
Aug. 24 – 30 |
|
Cincinnati, Ohio |
Sept. 14 – 20 |
|
Sussex County, Delaware |
Oct. 19 – 25 |
|
Flagstaff, Arizona |
Nov. 9 – 15 |
Among the 12 cities, Sailors will visit eight locations for the first time in the program’s history: Rio Grande Valley, Hilo, Lexington, National Parks, Harrisburg, Burlington, Sussex County and Flagstaff.
The Navy Week program aims to connect the Navy with areas of the country that may not have a strong fleet presence, demonstrating why a strong Navy is critical to defending the American way of life.
Road Trip to 250
The 2026 Navy Week season coincides with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration – 250 years of American independence. As part of this milestone, the Navy will host global outreach events, multilateral exercises, and community engagements.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary, Navy outreach will embark on a national “Road Trip to 250,” where Navy Weeks will serve as symbolic “pit stops” on a trek across the country. The journey will conclude in Flagstaff, Arizona, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
“As we celebrate 250 years of our Navy and nation, 2026 Navy Weeks take on a special meaning as part of our ‘Road Trip to 250,’ connecting communities coast to coast in a celebration of service and heritage,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, NAVCO’s director. “Though much of our Navy’s strength is stationed along the shorelines, this journey brings the Navy’s story across the country, showing Americans how their Navy has safeguarded our freedom and served our nation for a quarter of a millennium. Each ‘pit stop’ is a milestone that honors our past and the unique Navy ties in each community – a partnership essential to our national security and success.”
Community Engagement
During a typical Navy Week, 50 to 100 Sailors participate in community relations events, community performances by the U.S. Navy Band, and demonstrations by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard drill team.
Navy personnel operate the world’s most advanced ships, submarines, aircraft, and weapons systems to protect America’s interests worldwide. The 2026 Navy Week season will showcase the strength, talent, and dedication of U.S. Navy Sailors while fostering public awareness of the Navy’s role in ensuring freedom and security.
Over the past 20 years, NAVCO has delivered more than 300 Navy Weeks in over 100 U.S. markets.
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More Information
For more information about 2026 Navy Weeks, visit https://outreach.navy.
To learn more about NAVCO programs, visit www.outreach.navy.mil. Follow Navy Outreach on:
- Instagram: @navy.outreach
- Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn: @navyoutreach
- #NavyWeek #Nation250