Events Gallery - Navy League San Diego

2023 Marine Corps Birthday Ball

San Diego Council celebrated the 2023 Marine Corps Birthday Ball with the Marine Corps; 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 12th Marine Corps District, 3rd Marine Air Wing and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 during the month of November. These special events were held at various locations; U.S. Grant Hotel San Diego, Town & Country San Diego, San Diego Bayfront Hotel and Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. All events had Marines and many guests in attendance celebrating 248 years of excellence that included; music, dinner and the traditional cake cutting ceremony. Special thank you to SSgt Patrick Hasick, SSgt Daniel Ramirez, SgtMaj Jerry Tolbert, 1stSgt Cody Bigham, SgtMaj Ricky Broadway, SgtMaj Luis Ortega, SgtMaj Daniel Wilson, Mrs. Melissa Johnson and SgtMaj Rosalia Scifo in allowing our San Diego Council to participate and support. Well done to council members representing and attending; SHC Jay Rinder, USN(Ret), GySgt Ira Heid, USMC(Ret) and CMDCM Marty Magana, USN(Ret).

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2023 MCAS Miramar Birthday Celebration

On November 9, 2023, Vice President; Tracy Owens, Homecoming Chairman Jay Rindler and Sea Service Committee Member; Charles Clark joined 3rd Marine Air Wing; Brigadier General Robert B. Bodie and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Commanding Officer; Colonel Thomas M. Bedell to celebrate the United States Marine Corps 248th Birthday at the Bob Hope Theater at MCAS Miramar Base. During this event Marines covered its heritage, modeled its uniforms from its initial establishment to current and held a cake cutting ceremony.

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2023 Fleet Week San Diego

On November 3, 2023, San Diego Council President Ed Naranjo and VP Tracy Owens attended Fleet Week San Diego Enlisted Recognition Luncheon at the iconic; Worlds Famous San Diego Zoo, where Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard service members were recognized for their outstanding service and professional excellence. Bravo Zulu to all the service members!

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2023 Navy Birthday Ball

2023 NBB Sponsors, table purchase & ticket donors (Horiz)

San Diego Council’s hosted the 2023 Navy Birthday Ball (NBB) on Saturday, Oct 14, 2023 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel located downtown San Diego at the embarcadero with 785 guests in attendance, celebrating 248 years of excellence and with this year’s theme of “Power, Presence and Protection”. During this special occasion guests enjoyed music from the Navy Region Southwest Band, 5 Star Dinner and DJ music from Impressions San Diego and the traditional cake cutting ceremony. Special thank you to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Yvette Davids as guest speaker. Thank you to the Navy Region Southwest NBB Committee Lead Officer; LT Felicia Goodell, Assistants; CS1 Julia Murphy and YN1 Gary Caufield, Color Guard; BMSN Rosio Maltos, MA2 Samantha Collura, MA2 Myers Pope, and ABE1 Shandayln Knudson, Public Affairs Photographers; MC3 Kevin Tang and MC2 Sang Kim and Volunteers; YNSN Lewis, YN2 Eve Symonett, IT2 Janice, EM2 Franklin Garcia, NC1 Suarez, IT1 Aquino, IT1 Tony Ignasiak, IT1 Wedel and Alice Robles. Special thank you to Flower Islands Chula Vista; Dani Moser and Hyatt’s Rich Mitrovich, Jeff Edwards, Monica Bolt and Nicole Boone.

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2023 MCAS Miramar Air Show – September 23, 2023

Well Done to Air Show Lead & Board of Director Shane Steinfeld and committee members; Ira and Jasmine Heid, Charles Clark, Chelsea Booth in leading the 2023 MCAS Miramar Air Show that hosted 200 families and friends in its Chalet at MCAS Miramar on Sept 23, 2023. The guests enjoyed front row seating to the largest aerodynamic show in the country, that included the Navy’s Blue Angels. Special thank you to our Sponsor Presidents, Business Owner & Representatives – MCP Gov; Raj Ghai, Strategic Data Systems; Jeff Wylie, North Island Credit Union – Roger McTighe, General Atomics Electromagnetics; Alec Gordan and Rolf Ziesing, LC Embroidery; Rolan Patzi, and Parker Aerospace; John Miles.

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2023 IFWG Social Reception – September 11, 2023

Well Done to IFWG Reception Lead & Board of Director Austin Krivanec in leading the 2023 IFWG Social Reception that hosted 50 guests from nine countries that operate the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate at the Liberty Station San Diego Carruth Wine Cellars on Sept 11, 2023. Special thank you to Raytheon Technologies; CAPT Jeff Westin, USN(Ret) as the sponsor.

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Cammies 2 College Event – August 5, 2023

Well done to Council Vice President; Tracy Owens in leading the 2023 Cammies to College event that hosted numerous educational, nonprofit and veterans associations at Liberty Station on 5 August 2023. During this event over 400 military families visited to hear and learn about the numerous college programs, scholarships and opportunities available for 2023/2024. This year’s event included numerous super hero actors for the kids to enjoy. To include, the annual backpacks and school supplies provided to kids for this upcoming new school year.

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2023 Sea Services Golf Tournament

Well done to Board of Director; Chris Catania in leading the 3rd Annual Sea Service Golf Tournament on July 20th at Admiral Baker Golf Course that hosted 92 Golfers and 11 Sponsors in raising over 10k in support of our Council meeting its mission in supporting our Maritime Forces in the San Diego Community. Special thank you to our sponsors and volunteers.

Battle of Midway 81 Anniversary

San Diego Council attended the Battle of Midway 81st Anniversary Reception aboard Midway Museum on Jun 3rd. Over 100 guests in attendance,

guest speaker was Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; VADM Kenneth Whitesell. Also in attendance; Commander, Navy Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet and Commander, Navy Region Southwest in hosting this special even to honor all veterans who served in the Battle of Midway. Special guests included; Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Ervin “Judge” Wendt, USN(Ret), Aviation Radioman First Class Charles “Doc” Monroe who were both assigned to Torpedo Squadron EIGHT and Chief Gunner’s Mate Henry “Hank” Kudzick who was assigned to USS NAUTILUS (SS 168). We will never forget the sacrifices they made to protecting our freedom and our great country.

Fiscal Year 2022 Type Commander Sailor of the Year Awards Recognition

FY2022 TYCOM Sailor of the Year Awards – The San Diego Council collaborated with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Boeing in sponsorship with the recognition of SOY Award Winners. Congratulations to Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; (Sea) AD1(AW/SW) Kasadra Jenkins and (Shore) LS1(AW/SW) Putra Nagara, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; OS1(SW) Skylar Searle and (Shore) HM1(SW/FMF) John David Pascual, Commander, THIRD Fleet, (Sea) YN1(SW/AW) Sarita A. McBride (Shore) IT1(IW/AW/SW) Charles E. Hayley, Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; (Sea) EMN1(SS) Jeffrey L. Gaston and (Shore) MMA1(SS) Ronald A. Carbone and Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command; SB1(SWCC) Jonathan Pignato . Special thank you to our Sponsors, Lockheed Martin’s; David Steindl, Al Worthy and Fred Becker, Raytheon’s; Mike Fabel, Jeff Weston and Chan Saunders, Boeing’s; Tim Slentz and Ward Wilson.

2023 CPO Birthday Celebration & Charity Event

Bfast Event Apr 2023 (CPO Bday Cake Cutting)

San Diego Council held its 2nd Annual CPO Birthday Celebration & Charity Event with 90 military and civilian guests from the community. Cake Cutting Ceremony was performed by Commander, U.S Pacific Third Fleet Command Master Chief Trenton Schmidt and USS FITZGERALD CMC Jeff Auffenberg in leading the festivities with the cake cutting ceremony, celebrating 130 years of excellence. This special event included Sponsors donating 40 door prizes for the opportunity drawing that raised $1,000.00 donations in support of the San Diego Council’s award recognition and youth programs.

2023 Sea, Air & Space Convention Event

Council’s Homecoming & Field Operations Chairman; Jay Rindler participated in the three day Sea-Air-Space Convention Event that was held in National Harbor, Maryland on April 3 through 5, 2023 . It’s the Navy League’s largest Global Maritime Exposition, that attracts Top Navy officials as guest speakers in providing informative educational sessions, important policy discussions and numerous military stakeholders from around the world that includes, 400 exhibitors displaying their newest innovations designed to improve and streamline Navy ships, submarines and other equipment. During Jay’s visit he was able to connect with numerous Military Leaders, to include; the Master Chief of the Navy James Honea and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James “Smitty” Tocorzic in providing them awareness on how the San Diego Council supports its sea services in the San Diego metro area and the impact it supports towards its families with scholarship and youth programs.

2023 AFCEA West

The San Diego Council participated in attending the three day Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Convention at the downtown San Diego convention center. AFCEA is a professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally by networking and educational opportunities. This opportunity allowed members from the council to provide awareness on how The Navy League supports its sea services in the San Diego metro area. Including, building relationships with local Businesses and Government Agencies. Bravo Zulu VP, Tracy Owens; Executive Director, Ernie Belmares and Board Members, Dave Grundies and Jay Rindler in volunteering their time to attend this special event. Well done to VP Tracy Owens in meeting with the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro.

2022 Board of Directors Appreciation Reception; Hosted by Manchester Grand Hyatt

President; Ed Naranjo, VP; Tracy Owens and Boad of Director Member Rick Mitrovich hosted the San Diego Council’s Board of Directors Appreciation Reception at the Top of the Hyatt located on the 40th floor at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel on December 12, 2022. During this event Board of Directors and Spouses came together and celebrated the successful accomplishments throughout the 2022 year. This event was spectacular and team building. Special thank you to the Staff of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

2022 12 Star Holiday Reception

President; Ed Naranjo, VP; Tracy Owens, Sea Service Chair; Marty Magana and Homecoming Chair; Jay Rindler attended the 12 Star Holiday Reception at Naval Air Station North Island. This special event was hosted by; CNSF VADM Kitchener, CNAF VADM Whitesell, C3F VADM Boyle, CNSW RADM Davids and CNRSW RDML Rosen that included numerous business leaders from the community and Senior Military leaders from the waterfront and local shore installations to celebrate the holiday season and network to better serve our military community on December 11, 2022.

2022 Marine Corps Birthday Ball

On Friday, November 11, 2022, Sea Service Chairman Marty Magana attended the 12th Marine Corps District’s, 2022 Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Hardrock Hotel “Gaslamp Rooftop” located downtown San Diego with 100 guests in attendance. Our San Diego Council participated in this year’s Table Sponsorship for 10 Marines and where Marty presented $1k check to Adjutant; Captain April Deacon, USMC in support of this special occasion. During this event guests enjoyed music from the Marine Corps Band, formal dinner reception, music and the traditional cake cutting ceremony. Special thank you to 12th Marine Corps District Commanding Officer, Colonel Michael Ogden, USMC and Guest of Honor, Master Sergeant Gerald Larsen, USMC(Ret).

2022 MCAS Miramar Birthday Celebration

On November 9, 2022, Our Homecoming Chairman Jay Rindler joined 3rd Marine Air Wing; Brigadier General Robert B. Bodie and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Commanding Officer; Colonel Thomas M. Bedell to celebrate the United States Marine Corps 247th Birthday at the Bob Hope Theater at MCAS Miramar Base. During this event Marines covered its heritage, modeled its uniforms from its initial establishment to current and held a cake cutting ceremony.

2022 Fleet Week San Diego

On November 8, 2022, San Diego Council President Ed Naranjo and VP Tracy Owens attended Fleet Week San Diego Enlisted Recognition Luncheon at Sea World San Diego’s Nautilus Amphitheater. This was the 21st Anniversary being held at Sea World in recognition of service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for their outstanding service and professional excellence. Bravo Zulu to all service members!

2022 Navy Birthday Ball

San Diego Council’s hosted the 2022 Navy Birthday Ball on Saturday, Oct 15, 2022 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel located downtown San Diego at the embarcadero with over 500 plus guests in attendance. During this special occasion guests enjoyed music from the Navy Region Southwest Band, 5 Star Dinner and music from Hyatt’s DJ Mixer and the traditional cake cutting ceremony. Special thank you to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Admiral Robert Chadwick II who have an incredible presentation that everyone in the audience enjoyed. Special thank you to the Navy Region Southwest NBB Committee; LT Hal Jones, LNC Maria Bryant their team, including the San Diego Council’s NBB Committee Ernie Belmares, Sheldon Margolis and Alice Robles, Special thank you to our NBB Sponsors; Manchester Grand Hyatt’s; Rich Mitrovich, Gregory Seepersad, Rebecca Bailey, and Molly Dimas and USAA’s David Dearie. .

2022 CPO Pride Day

San Diego Council’s VP Tracy Owens, Executive Director Ernie Belmares and Board Members; Derek Barksdale, Jay Rindler, Charles Clark, Jiah and Catherine Montanez attended the San Diego’s Premier Chief Petty Officer’s Pride Day on Friday, October 14, 2002 in celebration on the soon-to-be-promoted Chief Selectees. More than 2500 Navy Chief and Chief Selectees attend this one day event to network and receive leadership lessons. The event not only serves to promote mentorship and community support, but heritage and tradition of the Navy Chief. All proceeds from this event go towards program support and business operations for the following year.

OMBUDSMAN Appreciation

San Diego Council celebrated OMBUDSMAN Appreciation Month during its September’s Breakfast Event hosting 140 guests in attendance in recognizing 35 OMBUDSMANs from various Navy and Marine Corps commands in the San Diego and Seal Beach metro area. Including the support of 14 Sponsors providing 28 donations valued at $8k in door prizes.

2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Sept 24, 2022

MCAS Miramar held its first Air Show since the COVID Pandemic two years ago, where the San Diego Council participated in hosting 200 families and friends in its Chalet on Sept 24, 2022. The guests where able to enjoy having front row seating to the largest and most spectacular. aerodynamic show on the west coast that included the Navy’s Blue Angels. Special thank you to our Sponsor Presidents; Lockheed Martin – Joe Rixey, MCP Gov – Raj Ghai, LC Embroidery – Rolan Patzi, Parker Aerospace – John Miles, General Atomics Electromagnetics – Scott Forney, and North Island Credit Union – Roger McTighe. Including, MCAS Miramar Commanding Officer – Colonel Thomas Bedell and Sergeant Major Jason Cain in taking time to come visit with our guests in the Chalet. Well done to our Air Show Committee Chair – Shane Steinfeld and his TEAM!

Sept 12-16, 2022 International Frigate Working Group Event

Well Done to our IFWG Committee Chair; Dave Grundies and his team; Ric Rushton (XO), Jim Bedinger, Sheldon Margolis, Pam Ammerman, Suzie Johnson, Jay Rindler, Bob Berman, Chelsea Buss, Austin Krivanec, and Marty Magana in hosting nine countries (Bahrain, Chile, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey) that operate the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate with 27 Sponsors; Valkyrie, Havelsan, MBDA, Rolls Royce Marine NA, Thales, EECO, CACI, Phoenix Group, VSE Corp, Amentum, IXI, Gibbs & Cox, Lockheed Martin, Fairbanks Morse, Rolls Royce PS, and Raytheon. Silver Sponsor; MTU Aero Engines, GE Aviation Marine, Curtis Wright, SAAB Inc, BAE US, & Swift Engineering. Bronze Sponsorship: L-3 Harris, DM Consulting, A-GAS, Northrup Grumman, and Palantir in support of this 5 day international event.

2022 Cammies 2 College Event – August 6, 2022

Well done to Vice President Tracy Owens in leading the San Diego Council in its first “Support The Enlisted Project – Cammies to College event”, that had over 600 military family members in attendance to learn about educational resources and VA benefits available to them. Including, awareness on the Council’s Alexander Kreiglowa Scholarship Fund and its Youth Programs available to its sea service members and families in the community. Guest Speaker was Naval Base Point Loma Commanding Officer; Captain Kenneth Franklin who provided a warm welcome to military families and where kids received new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming new school year!

2022 Base CMC Meeting

Executive Director; Ernie Belmares attends the Base Command Master Chief (CMC) Meeting at Naval Base San Diego to provide awareness on its programs that it supports to its sea service members in the San Diego Community and its upcoming events.

Special thank you to Sea Service Chairman; Marty Magana, Youth Programs Chairman; Shane Steinfeld and Homecoming Chairman; Jay Rindler who also attended and met with all the CMC’s in building connections with the Senior Enlisted Leaders on the waterfront.

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2022 Sea Services Golf Tournament – July 21, 2022

Thank you to our Golf Committee Chair Chris Catania and his team in leading this year’s Sea Services Golf Tournament. Including all our sponsors for supporting

our special event.

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San Diego is Coast Guard City USA!

The City of San Diego is the largest Coast Guard City in the United States. Our San Diego Council congratulates the United States Coast Guard Sector San Diego and the City of San Diego for its recertification as “Coast Guard City”.

Additionally, Special Thank you to both Captain Eric Cooper, and Captain Timothy J. Barelli for your strong support of our San Diego Council and congratulations on your successful Coast Guard career, Fair Winds and Following Seas! Welcome Aboard Captain James W. Spitler as the United States Coast Guard Sector Commander and Captain of the Port of San Diego California and USCG Maritime Security Response Team Commanding Officer – CAPT Robert J. Berry. SEMPER PARATUS!

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CPO Birthday Celebration & Charity Event

San Diego Council held its first Charity Event coming off a two-year COVID Post Pandemic. The Charity Event Celebrated the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer’s Birthday – 129 Years of Excellence. The event had 75 guests for the celebration that range from business leaders to sponsors and guests from the community. Including Commander, Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, Force Master Chief Trenton Schmidt, Expeditionary Strike Group THREE CMC Matt Danforth, USS San Diego CMC John Lanza, USS JOHN FINN CMC Erika Lavallais, DESRON23 CMC William Coston, MCRD 1stSgt Carlos Canezgil and GySgt Kenneth Catledge, along with many Sailors and Marines from all paygrades in attendance. The San Diego Council thanks all our Sponsors for their generous donations in gifts to support our Charity Event.

2022 AFCEA West

The San Diego Council participated in the three day Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Convention at the downtown convention center. AFCEA is a professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally by networking and educational opportunities. Special thank you to Board Member and Former San Diego Council President; Dave Grundies, CAPT, USN(Ret). Dave is the Business Owner of Due Regard Consulting, Inc., that sponsored the Counci’s booth during this special event. This opportunity allowed members from the council to provide awareness on how The Navy League supports its sea services in the San Diego metro area. Including, building relationships with local Businesses and Government Agencies. Dave was instrumental in having the Commendant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Karl Schultz to visit the booth and spend time with our volunteers.

Our council members who volunteered in operating the booth met with many Defense Agencies, Contractors and Vendors from across the country. Including, Distinguished Vistors; Dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy Navy League of the United States; James Foggo, ADM, USN(Ret), Commander Third Fleet, VADM Stephen Koehler, Commander Navy Region Southwest, RDML Stephen Barnett, Coast Guard San Diego Sector Commanding Officer & Command Master Chief; CAPT Timothy Barelli and CMC Greg Via, Afloat Training Group San Diego Command Master Chief Alex Ortiz and his Chiefs, Miramar and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Master Sergeant Brad Faulkener and Sergeant Major Jeremy, CEO/President of Support The Enlisted Project Tony Teravainen and NJROTC.

A special thank you to our volunteers; Jay Rindler, Bob Berman, Marty Magana, Nil Ng, and Tracy Owens.

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