For nearly two decades, the Navy Week program has given communities a chance to meet U.S. Navy sailors and learn about what they do. During these weeklong stays members of the Navy participate in many community events. 

This week, they’re making their presence felt in Syracuse.

“[We are here to] create some new friends, build relationships and really tell our story in a way that’ll be meaningful for the great folks of Central New York," Navy Rear Admiral Josh Jackson said.

The Navy week program has returned to Syracuse for the second time since the program started in 2005. 

“It’s an opportunity to introduce ourselves and really explain why it’s your Navy and what we do for the country," he said. 

Local officials kicked off Navy Week with a ceremony at Syracuse City Hall. More than 60 sailors will participate in education and community events throughout the city this week. 

However, it’s extra special for Rear Admiral Jackson. 

“This is doubly significant for me because I’m a Syracuse native," he said. "I was born here in the city. I spent summers here in the Finger Lakes region [and] caught my first fish as a kid on Skaneateles Lake.”

Jackson has served for the U.S. Navy for 31 years.  

“I wanted to be a part of a great team," he said.

He’s currently the deputy director of operations and integration at the defense threat reduction agency in Virginia. Now he’s back home around his family, hoping to show people the opportunities available with the Navy and inspire them to serve the country. 

“It’s really an opportunity to showcase the world-class benefits, the free education, the technical training that’s second to none and the opportunity to serve and serve with a team and serve for a mission that’s bigger than oneself," Jackson said. 

Members of the Navy continued to reiterate how excited they are to be involved in the community. They’ll be in Syracuse until Sept. 1.