Naval Station Everett holds open house

By Petty Officer 1st Class Sonja Chambers, Naval Station Everett Public Affairs

EVERETT — Naval Station Everett held an open house July 3 to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. Booths and displays from the base, tenant commands and community organizations covered Jackson Plaza, while more than 10,000 people enjoyed the festivities.

Capt. Thomas Mascolo, Naval Station Everett Commanding Officer, opened the event by welcoming the community to the base.

"The local communities show us such great hospitality every day of the year," Mascolo said. "This day is our way of giving some of that hospitality back to you."

In keeping with the patriotic theme of the event, Navy Band Northwest performed traditional music for the crowd in Jackson Plaza. Other live performances throughout the day included the Platinum Plush Drill and Drum Team, and the Clan Heather Dancers.

Visitors to the base were also able to take advantage of a ship simulator tour, provided by Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest, where individuals could drive a variety of different ships, and ship tours, offered by USS Rodney M. Davis, USS Shoup, USS Ingraham and USCGC Henry Blake.

The day concluded with fly-overs from the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island-based Electronic Attack Squadron 131, flying the EA-6B Prowler, the Naval Air Station Lemoore-based Strike Fighter Squadron Two, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet, and the Blackjacks Formation Flying Squadron from Arlington.