Friday, February 14, 2025

The Monterey will join the July 4 festivities in Norfolk

This April 19, 2018 photo shows the USS Monterey as it fires a 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trey Fowler)
This April 19, 2018 photo shows the USS Monterey as it fires a 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trey Fowler)

NORFOLK — The Navy will participate in this city’s 36th Annual Great American Picnic on July 4.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) will arrive in Downtown Norfolk, Tuesday, July 3, to participate in the celebration of the nation’s 242nd birthday.

The crew of Monterey will man the rails of the ship when she arrives in the Norfolk Harbor around 1 p.m., offering a unique view for visitors as she transits the Elizabeth River.

The ship will moor behind Nauticus and the crew will host the general public for free tours on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toed rubber-soled shoes.

Ships are considered an industrial environment and guests are encouraged to avoid “dangling jewelry, open-toed sandals or high-heels,” according to a news release from the city.

All bags and/or camera cases will be searched prior to entering.

Adult visitors will be required to show a valid state or federal issued picture identification. Tours may not be appropriate for small children or those with certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse during a ship tour, and thus, tours may be difficult for parents carrying young children, according to the news release.

The following items are not permitted aboard the ship:

  • Electronic smoking devices
  • Glass containers
  • Banners, posters or signs of any type
  • Mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals
  • Knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosives
  • Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
  • Flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans
  • Club weapons
  • Animals (except approved service animals)

All electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The Navy reserves the right to prohibit other items not listed above.

Additionally, the U.S. Fleet Forces Band will perform free for the public in Town Point Park from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Beginning at 8:15 p.m., the U.S. Fleet Forces Band Wind Ensemble will perform a free concert featuring patriotic favorites prior to the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

The Monterey

Homeported in Norfolk as the Navy’s 16th Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser, Monterey was commissioned June 16, 1990.  It was designed and built to fight in a “multi-threat environment” defending the battlegroup against hostile aircraft, cruise missiles, and submarines, according to the Navy.

On May 6, the ship returned from a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleets areas of operation.  For this crew of more than 300 sailors, “Rough in Battle, Ready in Peace,” is more than just the ship’s motto.  During their deployment, the crew took decisive action in firing 30 Tomahawk missiles into Syria, from the Red Sea, according to the Navy.

 

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