Annapolis US Naval Academy Arrives in Freeport

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United States Navy Tall Ships, in an annual tradition, will arrive at Long Island's famed Nautical Mile in the Village of Freeport, on Thursday, Aug 10 at 11 a.m. The Annapolis US Naval Academy will be sailing up from Maryland carrying Midshipmen cadets and officers as part of the curriculum for the Academy Squadron Training Program.

Village of Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy and Village Board members will join U.S. military veterans and civic leaders in welcoming the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen into port before hoisting a large United States Navy flag over the Mile. Mayor Kennedy will host a barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. for the Midshipmen, officers, Village Officials, local dignitaries and members of the Annapolis Parent's Club. Five vessels are expected; carrying 50 Naval Cadets and their Officers.

The Navy sailboats will remain docked at the Esplanade on Woodcleft Avenue for the duration of the visit, from Thursday, Aug. 10 – Sunday, Aug. 13. US Navy sailboat tours will be available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the weekend.

The arrival of the tall sailing ships at the Nautical Mile is a summer tradition going back nearly two decades. The Freeport Nautical Esplanade is a popular port-of-call that the young Midshipmen visit along the east coast each year before returning to Annapolis.

The United States Naval Academy Midshipmen are in training for service as a commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy. The Nautical Mile is one of Long Island's most popular tourist attractions with thousands of visitors from across the region all year round. The historic Village of Freeport has a long history of seafaring, accommodating fishing boats and vessels of all kinds for decades, and is known as "The Boating and Fishing Capital of the East."