VP Adopted Ships, Active/Reserve Units. 

Serves as the key contact with Minnesota based active and maritime units including the Naval Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG), Naval Operations Support Center, Marine Aircraft Wing Support Squadron 471, Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Maritime Support Unit Duluth, and Merchant Marine units throughout the state.  Coordinates with adopted ships (i.e., USS Minnesota, USS Minneapolis Saint Paul and USCGC Spar to determine needs.  Submits and annual budget which is approved by the Council for these support elements so that appropriate funding or sponsorship can be gotten to fund these activities. 

The final quarter of the year focused on three key events. 

The Minnesota Navy League hosted five members of the crew of USS Minneapolis Saint Paul during Veterans Day weekend.  Cmdr. Justin Neff, Command Senior Enlisted (Senior Chief) Ariel Ampier, plus the Sailor of the Year, Junior Sailor of the Year, and Blue Jacket of the Year attended many events over a whirlwind 3-day timeframe.    

On Friday, November 10, the crew was recognized on the floor of the Minnesota Gophers Men's Basketball.  After this the crew visited the Marine Corps Ball hosted by the Como Park High School Marine Corps JROTC program.   

On Saturday, November 11, the five members of the crew participated in three events.  In the morning they appeared on KARE 11 Saturday, interviewed by veteran TV host Belinda Jensen who comes from a Navy family.  The crew then participated in the drill weekend of the Twin Cities Squadron; a naval sea cadet unit sponsored by the Minnesota Navy League.  They assisted with gun safety training, Cmdr. Neff spoke to the cadets about the Navy and USS Minneapolis Saint Paul, and had chow with the cadets.  Later that evening they attended a banquet with the Naval Academy Glee Club and attended their concert at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. 

On Sunday, November 12, the crew attended the Minnesota Vikings Salute to Service game.  They appeared with the Joint Service Color Guard during the National Anthem.  Prior to the game they took pictures with fans outside the stadium, including the Vikings drumline.  On Sunday evening they closed the weekend with a dinner hosted by the Board of Directors of the Navy League.   

USS Minnesota continues its two-year maintenance availability.  The good news is that they undocked from the drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on time in mid-October and are now pier side on the tail end of their maintenance period.  We anticipate sea trials in the new year with delivery back to the fleet and availability for national security tasking.   

Supporting our local commands, our council raised $7,000 from corporate and individual sponsors to subsidize tickets for junior sailors to attend the Minnesota Navy and Marine Corps Ball on October 28.   The Council strongly believes in supporting our active duty and reserve Sailors based here in Minnesota.