AUGUST 14, 2025 – The U.S. Navy is bringing Navy Week to Columbus, Ohio, from Aug. 18-24, 2025. As part of a nationwide outreach effort, Columbus Navy Week will connect Sailors with the community through a variety of performances, educational events, and service projects. The events will lead into the Columbus Air Show Aug. 22-24 at Rickenbacker International Airport, featuring the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
Since its inception in 2005, the Navy Week program has visited more than 95 markets across the United States. This year’s Navy Week holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, marking a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security, and global leadership.
“For 250 years, the U.S. Navy has ensured the security and prosperity of our nation by keeping global trade routes safe and deterring threats around the world,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach. “Columbus, with its rich history, thriving innovation sector, and passionate sports culture, is the perfect place to showcase America’s Navy. Navy Week allows communities that may not see the fleet every day to connect with the Sailors who operate around the clock, from the sea floor to cyberspace. We’re excited to bring this experience to Columbus and highlight the Navy’s vital role in protecting our way of life.”
Rear Adm. Matthew Pottenburgh, a Galena native and Ohio State University alumnus, will be the Navy’s senior executive attending Columbus Navy Week. A former Naval Flight Officer, Pottenburgh now serves as Commander, Naval Service Training Command. His return to the area highlights the strong connections between the Navy and the Columbus community.
Join Sailors at one of our many Navy Week events:
- Aug. 18, 5 p.m.: Navy Week Kickoff Celebration at National Vietnam Memorial and Museum
- Aug. 19, 6 p.m.: Tribute Tuesday 90’s Rap at Bicentennial Park
- Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Central Community House Open Mic Night
- Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Navy Night with the Columbus Clippers
- Aug. 21-23, 12 p.m.: Age-Group CrossFit Games at Greater Columbus Convention Center
- Aug. 22-24, 8 a.m.: Columbus Air Show featuring the Blue Angels
- Aug. 22, 6 p.m.: An Evening with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- Aug. 23, 12 p.m.: Columbus ArborFest
- Aug. 23, 4 p.m.: CAP City Festivals
- Aug. 23, 7 p.m.: Columbus Crew MLS Game
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Columbus-2025/
Media organizations wishing to cover Columbus Navy Week events should contact Lt. j.g. Lamar Badger at (901) 229-5709 or via email at erick.l.badger.mil@us.navy.mil
About Navy Week:
Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has brought the Navy’s mission, people, and capabilities to hundreds of communities nationwide, inspiring new generations and strengthening the bonds between the Navy and the American people.
From Lt. j.g. Lamar Badger
U.S. Navy, Navy Office of Community Outreach