Co-authored by Todd Sanders, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber, and Tanya Wheeless president and CEO, USS Arizona Legacy Foundation
The Greater Phoenix Chamber and USS Arizona Legacy Foundation applaud the essential work of the U.S. Navy and welcome dozens of Sailors from across the nation to Phoenix for its annual Navy Week, which takes place February 26-March 3rd. We encourage the community to lean into this opportunity to learn about the Navy and meet some of the highly skilled men and women, allowing us to preserve our freedom.
While people don’t often think of Phoenix as a Navy town, that’s about to change. In 2019, the Navy announced that one of its new Virginia-class fast attack submarines would bear the name Arizona. This is the fourth vessel in U.S. history to be called Arizona and the first since the battleship BB-39 was lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor. As part of Navy Week, we will welcome the USS Arizona SSN-803’s Commander, Tom Digan, and members of his crew to Arizona for their first official visit.
By supporting the Navy, we contribute to national security, creating a stable environment for businesses to thrive. But the benefits of supporting the Navy go beyond security. Naval installations and operations provide a significant economic boost to the regions they call home.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, supporting the Navy also enhances Phoenix’s reputation as a hub for innovation and collaboration. As the Navy invests in research and development, it creates opportunities for local businesses and academic institutions to partner on projects that push the boundaries of technology and science. Moreover, Arizona is home to nearly 500,000 veterans, many of whom served in the Navy, who choose to call Arizona home after their service has ended. These men and women bring needed skills to our workforce and support our thriving economy.
Although Arizona is known for its dry and arid climate, both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University are home to the Navy’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program, which provides education and training for students aspiring to become Navy officers. These partnerships not only drive economic growth but also position Phoenix as a leader in emerging industries.
This week, we have a unique opportunity to actively engage with members of the Navy. Let’s give them a warm Arizona welcome and extend our gratitude for the role they play in supporting our State’s economic vitality.