MacDill Happenings

This week is Navy Week in Tampa! The kickoff event is a party on the SS American Victory at Channelside. Join active duty sailors aboard the SS American Victory and learn about the U.S. Navy’s past, rock music by the Navy band Pride and a meet and greet with members of today’s Navy. The event starts at 5 pm. A tour aboard the SS American Victory costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. All week in Tampa, there will be events celebrating Navy Week.  Crew members of the submarine USS Florida, homeported at Kings Bay, GA, will be in Tampa to help celebrate Navy Week. USS Florida is the third ship in the Trident class. She is the first submarine and the sixth U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name of the state and on January 14, 2003, the Florida became the first Ohio -class submarine to launch a Tomahawk cruise missile. In April 2004, conversion started to modify the USS Florida to carry 154 conventional cruise missiles instead of 24 Trident missiles. After completion of the conversion, the Florida is now designated SSGN 728. As an SSGN, the Florida is also able to support operations of up to 66 Special Forces Personnel for up to 90 days. Leap Frog, the US Navy parachute team will perform a “beach landing” at North Shore Beach in downtown St. Pete on Sunday morning at 9:45am. On Saturday and Sunday, Navy divers will be at Adventure Island to swim with guests and the US Navy rock band, Pride, will also be playing at Adventure Island. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will host Navy divers giving demonstrations on March 15, 16 and 17. The week concludes with the Blue Angels flying at MacDill AFB as part of AirFest on the 20 and 21 March.