Broward Navy Days, Inc. History

Incorporated in 1990, Broward Navy Days, Inc. (BND), was formed under the leadership of Captain Jean Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.), to host an annual Fleet Week celebration at Port Everglades.

In 2001, Broward Navy Days merged the Fleet Week celebration with the McDonald's Air & Sea Show and benefited from the professional management of the MDM Group, Ltd. & Pro-Series, Inc. for seven years. The Fleet Week Celebration was known as Fleet Week USA. In 2008 after the Air & Sea Show was discontinued, it reverted to Fleet Week Port Everglades, planned and hosted by BND. Fleet Week Port Everglades remains the signature event for BND each spring, but the organization is equally committed to actively supporting our seagoing services year-round.

The organization plans welcoming events and shore leave activities for visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships periodically throughout the year and supports the activities of the U.S. Navy Southern Command and Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Broward Navy Days also participates in the commissioning ceremonies of new Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters in South Florida and the change of command ceremonies for the local Navy and Coast Guard commands.

One of the most moving annual events is the Pearl Harbor memorial service held at Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, Broward Navy Days is dedicated to preserving the memory of the infamous attack that catapulted the United States into World War II. 

Today, 30 years after its founding, the Broward Navy Days organization has gained a highly respected reputation among our sea going services for being a good friend of the "White Hats."