“This will be the first time to see this concentration of vessels in New Orleans,” exclaimed Mark Romig, President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation, “At least in my lifetime.”
Largest naval fleet to amass in New Orleans
The largest naval fleet to amass in New Orleans will start arriving on April 16, 2012 to celebrate the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Eleven ships will dock and most will remain until April 23. I am most excited to see the three tall ships that will be tied up at the East Bienville Street wharf.
The crew of the Montrose, a ship from the UK, boasts a “traveling” rugby team of sailors. They will challenge New Orleans ruggers in a contest slated during New Orleans. I’ll be watching for the line-up!
A native New Orleanian, Mark is serving as Chairman of the NOLA Navy Week Host Committee and I spoke with him in a recent Blogger’s Roundtable. “There are only two ticketed events; all else is open to the public to reaquaint themselves with the Navy, the Marines and the Coast Guard.”
Watch this blog for more NOLA Navy Week details as they unfold. In the meantime, subscribe to this blog so not to miss the upcoming stories.