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For the first time ever, the U.S. Naval Academy will be taking its ships to Port Jefferson Village for a visit.
The program is part of the academy’s Summer Navigation and Seamanship Training Block, where 50 Midshipmen (both male and female) will take their commanding officers from the home base in Annapolis, Md. to Long Island.
“We are very excited that the U.S. Naval Academy is making Port Jefferson Harbor a port of call on this year’s summer training season,” said Rob LoScalzo, a member of the Port Jefferson host committee and father of a recent Annapolis graduate.
The Midshipmen began their voyage on Monday and will hit land on Thursday (weather permitting) with five sailboats at the Town of Brookhaven dock, near the Port Jefferson Ferry.
After arrival, the U.S. Naval Academy will open its ship to the public for tours on Friday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 10, from noon to 4 p.m.
During that time, several Midshipmen will discuss their duties on board as well as life in the academy.
“Port Jefferson has a long and storied maritime history, reaching back to Caleb Brewster and American Revolution,” said LoScalzo, “and having the Naval Academy sailing ships make harbor here at Port Jefferson is a tribute to that history.”
Top: U.S. Naval Academy ship Brave sailing through the waters. (Credit: Facebook)
