AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

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Many of you may have seen the announcement yesterday that the Navy will be moving Fleet Week to Miami next year, after more than 30 years in Broward County. 

We were notified of this decision only recently, which was made due to ongoing recruiting challenges and a desire to also reach communities in other parts of the region. While we are disappointed, we appreciate the urgency the military is placing on improving recruiting and community relations.

All branches of the military have seen precipitous declines in recruitment, and Fleet Weeks help connect the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard with the public. Young people who are most likely to enlist in the U.S. military today are those who know it the best: In 1995, 40 percent of the country's youth had a family member who served. Today, that number is down to 14 percent.

The Navy values the longstanding relationships with Broward County, Port Everglades, and Broward Navy Days and, in the future, we have been advised Fleet Week will alternate between Miami and Port Everglades or ships may be stationed at both ports as part of a regional Fleet Week.  

In a letter to Broward Navy Days, Rear Adm. R. M. Perry praised "the invaluable support you have provided. We have every intention of maintaining those ties and return to Port Everglades in 2025."