The U.S. Navy will return to Duluth this summer as part of its nationwide Navy Week program, scheduled for June 30 through July 6.
The outreach initiative, held in more than 95 cities since 2005, aims to connect the Navy and its sailors with local communities through educational events, public performances, and volunteer service. This year’s Duluth visit coincides with the Navy’s 250th anniversary.
More than 70 sailors are expected to take part in the Duluth events, including Senior Chief Master-at-Arms KC Dueñas, a Duluth East High School graduate and native of the city. Dueñas enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and currently serves in Security Operations at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
“Wearing the uniform for 23 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Dueñas said. “Coming back to the city that raised me reminds me of where my values were built.”
Dueñas reenlisted in October 2024 at Duluth’s Enger Tower before deploying to Cuba.
Duluth Navy Week is the seventh of 15 Navy Weeks scheduled across the country in 2025. The Navy Office of Community Outreach estimates the program reaches more than 140 million people annually.
“This year, as we mark the Navy’s 250th birthday, we celebrate not only our rich history but also the generations of Sailors who have proudly served our nation,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach. “Minnesota and the Great Lakes region are rich with naval heritage.”
Throughout the week, sailors will take part in community service projects with local nonprofits, including Second Harvest Northland, Union Gospel Mission, Animal Allies and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. Educational outreach includes STEM sessions at STARBASE Minnesota and health care and scholarship discussions at the University of Minnesota Duluth and the College of St. Scholastica.
The Navy Band Great Lakes will perform at several locations throughout the city, including the Depot, Duluth Public Library, and Fourth Fest.
A mayoral proclamation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 1 at the USS Duluth Anchor on the Lakewalk. Mayor Roger Reinert is expected to honor the Navy’s contributions to Duluth and the region.
Key public events include:
. July 1: Mayoral proclamation (10 a.m.), Navy Band Great Lakes performance at the Bong Veterans Historical Center (1 p.m.), and appearances at Duluth Huskies baseball games.
. July 2: Evening performances and demonstrations at Wednesday Night at the Races (5-7 p.m.).
. July 3: Navy Band shows at the Depot (noon) and Duluth Public Library (5:30 p.m.).
. July 4: Fourth Fest activities, including Blue Angels pilot introductions, parachute demos, and band performances.
. July 5-6: Navy LEAP Frogs, Blue Angels flight demonstrations, and Navy exhibits at the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo.
The Navy encourages the public to attend and learn more about its mission and service members. A full schedule is available at https://outreach.navy.mil.
