Events set to showcase Navy

Aside from the USS Razorback and the USS Hoga nestled along the Arkansas River’s north shore, the U.S. Navy usually is out of sight and out of mind in Arkansas. Not this week.

Today, the Navy is taking a handful of assets to the central part of the state for Little Rock Navy Week to give residents an “up-close, personal look at their Navy.”

While Arkansas isn’t readily susceptible to any maritime threat, its exports are. And with agriculture contributing $20 billion annually to the state, the Navy’s protection of Arkansas’ commodities on the high seas is invaluable.

Additionally, Arkansas small businesses benefit from Navy contracts. In fiscal 2016, Arkansas small business won about $25 million in Navy contracts.

“We may not be able to get carriers up the river, but we can bring personnel and some assets,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brett Dawson of the Navy Office of Community Outreach. “The idea is to let people put their hands on the Navy to raise awareness and help citizens understand why Little Rock needs a strong Navy.”

The festivities start at noon today at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and run through Saturday with activities scheduled throughout central Arkansas.

Navy divers and underwater robotics will be on display at the Jim Dailey Fitness & Aquatic Center this afternoon; the Navy Band Southeast Popular Music Group will perform Friday.