Concert On The Avenue

Hey Shipmates,

On August 12th, Fleet West (USFF Fleet Master Chief) and I had the opportunity to travel to our nations capital and represent MCPON during the Concert On The Avenue (COTA) event.

This event is conducted, I believe six times between Memorial Day and Labor Day and is performed by the National Capital Region Navy Band and our Navy Ceremonial Guard at the Navy Memorial with a pre-concert reception at the Naval Heritage Center Museum.

Because this particular concert is in August, it presents a great opportunity for the newly selected Chief Petty Officers from the surrounding area (Naval District Washington and OPNAV) to attend. There were approximately 65 of our soon to be newest Chiefs present and it was exciting to be in their company.

As I mentioned, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard was part of the event and as they do wherever they go, they represent the Navy in a truly fantastic way. Sailor's coming straight from Boot Camp or maybe their first "A" school, they are the epitome of Navy Pride & Professionalism and Military Bearing! Along with the Navy Band, they are the highlight of the evening.

Our Navy band, regardless of which one we're talking about, is renowned for their ability to get the audience invloved and make passers-by stop to listen and ultimately dance to the tunes. This day was no different. I would guess, there may have been 300 hundred or more local residents and tourists to our nations capital in attendance, many getting their first impression of our Navy. I'm proud to say, there's no way they could have been disappointed.

Shipmates, ya'll make me proud to be a Sailor! Fleet Howard