Rear Adm. Nancy S. Lacore, Commandant, Naval District Washington, opened the assembly by affirming to the members that the Navy is intertwined with the state of Maryland.
“You will need to join with folks like you- leaders within the community- to strengthen {our relationships} by means of shared experiences, on this case as girls in management roles,” mentioned Lacore to tour members. “Most of our missions happen abroad, the place we can’t present the American folks the Navy’s work, so I hope you’ll share this expertise and something you study your Navy with your loved ones, associates, and colleagues.”
The group was comprised of Signe Pringle, Deputy Secretary at Commerce; Tom Riford, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Movie, Arts, Advertising and marketing and Communications, Maryland Division of Commerce; Allison Mayer, Deputy Chief of Workers & Infrastructure Director, Maryland Division of Commerce; members of the Naval District Washington and Division of Commerce Staffs; and management of USS Minneapolis St. Paul.
“Maryland Fleet Week is at all times thrilling as a result of it permits us to welcome the U.S. Navy again to Baltimore in a giant manner—and to have fun Baltimore’s particular connection to naval historical past by means of the Struggle of 1812,” mentioned Pringle. “The state is thrilled to assist Fleet Week, and right now we acknowledge the position of ladies in management and the affect they make throughout the Navy and Maryland.”
As impactful because the tour was for the Girls Enterprise Leaders Workplace leaders, so was the chance for the Sailors and officers aboard to satisfy them. Cmdr. Alfonza White, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Commanding Officer, expressed the way it meant a lot to him to interact with the group as a father of a 15-year-old daughter.
“It means quite a bit to have the ability to inform my daughter she will be able to do something she applies herself to and be capable to inform her about different girls who’ve completed the identical,” mentioned White.
Lt. Jeanelle Seals, weapons officer aboard Minneapolis-Saint Paul, echoed that sentiment.
“It was inspiring to see so many ladies who’re leaders of their communities {and professional} fields,” mentioned Seals. “Assembly them and speaking about what we’ve been in a position to accomplish in our respective careers was the spotlight of my journey to Baltimore thus far.”
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore is a chance for the residents of Maryland and the Metropolis of Baltimore to satisfy Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, in addition to see and expertise firsthand the most recent capabilities of right now.
For extra data on methods to take pleasure in MDFW fleets, flights, and festivals, go to mdfleetweek.org. Comply with @mdfleetweek on Fb, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for an insider perspective by means of digital ship excursions and behind-the-scenes experiences.