Mayport Navy League is a recognized non-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible as otherwise provided by law.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SEA CADET HEADQUARTERS
SEA CADETS DAY OF GIVING
For 63 years one thing has remained constant: The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has been transforming lives, giving young people opportunities to build confidence and succeed. Our hands-on program exposes middle and high school-aged Cadets to training programs filled with unique, life-changing moments. Sea Cadets inspire many to serve our country and become productive citizens.
LCS TRAINER SESSION ATTENDED BY MNL MEMBERS
On February 26th, a group of 13 MNL members participated in a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) training session.
What is an LCS? The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast and agile coastal U.S. Navy surface combatant designed to operate in near-shore (littoral) environments where larger ships have limited maneuverability. The LCS program began in the early 2000s to address emerging coastal threats, in shallow waters and congested maritime regions, such as small fast attack craft, mines, maritime security threats, and quiet diesel submarines.
Attending the training session were Nick & Donna Norfleet, Wayne Dietel, Brian Kennedy, Tim Jenkins, Bill Towcimak, John & Pat Strohofer, Jim Young, Bob Buehn, David Belanger, and Laurette & Clark Gaylord. A special thanks to Ryan Tillotson for arranging the LCS trainer session.
NS MAYPORT SAILOR OF THE YEAR AWARDEES
On a brisk Tuesday, February 24th, the Mayport Naval Station Sailors of the Year (SOY), honoring the best performing sailors during 2025, were recognized and congratulated.
The Ocean Breeze Conference Center was near capacity with over 90 awardees in an audience of 190 attendees. Each awardee and their command leadership were invited to the podium for recognition and a certificate, and a group photo. Supporting the awardees were many family members and friends who were invited to join the individual commands in the photo.
Attending the luncheon included over 20 base commands and the Mayport Coast Guard Command, unable to attend were 10 commands on deployment. The Mayport Navy League luncheon sponsors and partners were Hover Girl Properties, First Command, Navy Federal Credit Union, Navy Wives Club of America #201, USAA, and Surface Navy Association.
The menu included pork loin smothered w/ gravy onions and peppers, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, pretzel sticks, and assorted cookies and enjoyed by all.
The Master of Ceremonies was CMCM Strickland, and the program remarks were presented by Naval Station Commanding Officer, Captain Mike Trumbull. The keynote speaker was Command Master Chief Carlos T. Slade, the senior enlisted leader currently serving at Naval Station Mayport's Afloat Training Group.
It was a great event that truly represented The Best Of The BEST
MNL FEBRUARY SOCIAL
MNL February Social at Royal Palm in Atlantic Beach on Thursday, February 19th famous for their awesome tapas dishes and large selection of wines.
Over 25 MNL members, spouses, and friends attended the social with lots of great conversation, good food and delicious wines. Special thanks to Eric Alfaro, the MNL new membership lead, for arranging the gathering, providing nametags, and promoting membership interests. A highlight of the social was the attendance of our board member, Captain Mike Trumbull, Naval Station Commanding Officer.
At the social, MNL President Bob Whitkop presented Navy League National Outstanding Performance awards to Mayport Navy League members. The Navy League Donald M. Mackie Award for communications was presented to Wayne Dietel (website), Brian Kennedy (Facebook), and Barbara Ives (newsletter).
MILITARY MONDAYS-DINNERS TO GO (MMDTG) AND FOOD FARMACY (FF)
On February 9th, MNL hosted the 2nd 2026 MMDTG on a very cold and blustery afternoon. Due to the weather, there were fewer volunteers than usual. Those volunteers that persevered the elements are greatly appreciated for their dedication to our food programs and support of our military members and their families.
As usual the military members and their families arrived well before 3pm and waited patiently for the hot food to serve to their families at home. Diapers and baby wipes were available to families that needed the items. Again, the carline opened early and after less than 2 hours, the food ran out.
From the carline participants, it was learned that many mark their calendars to receive the monthly MMDTG food. It truly helps bolster their morale and provide good food for their family members. One Active-Duty member and mom of 4 shared that the best part of her day on MMDTG is their children's excitement for Chick-A-Filet hot food and her happiness that she does not have to cook that night.
Everyone leaving the church parking lot with their food always stopped to say, "Thank you so much! We really appreciate MNL and your help make our day better."
SEA CADETS FEBRUARY DRILL
On February 7th, the Mayport Sea Cadets spent the day with the United States Marine Corps Bravo Company 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion. Cadets participated in a weapons demonstration, a mixed martial arts lesson, watched a Navy Corpsman "stop the bleed", and boarded an AAV7 track vehicle for a ride through the woods on their training base.
Thank you, Mr. Brian Kennedy (Past MNL President and member), for coordinating an incredible and eventful day!! HOO-Rah!
On February 21st, the unit was welcomed to the Mayport Naval Station Quarterdeck. The Cadets participated in morning colors and received an introduction and brief tour of the building with base PAO David Holmes. We also enjoyed a briefing as well as the personal military history and goals of Base Commanding Officer Captain Mike "Bull" Trumbull. Afterwards, the Cadets received a tour of a harbor patrol boat and a tractor (tug) boat. With perfect timing, our unit was at the basin when the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) returned to Mayport from a short deployment. The remainder of the day included chow, some classroom time, a dress white inspection, marching practice, and three Cadet promotions.
For the weekend of February 28th, the Sea Cadets conducted a joint drill with the American Victory Division out of Tampa, FL. Both Units toured the USS Marinette and had lunch before the American Victory Division departed home.
CYPRESS VILLAGE SUPPORTS MNL WITH BABY WIPES
Pictured:Laurette Gaylord and George Huchting
Laurette and Clark Gaylord, MNL Members, have teamed up to lead a February baby wipes donation effort at Cypress Village.
After watching a MMDTG, which included diaper and baby wipes distribution during the government shutdown, they decided to extend the support by rallying Cypress Village residents to donate baby wipes. Their efforts have been very well received with many packages for our military families. It's Laurette and Clark's energy that crafted this initiative and sustained it for the entire month of February. Our sincere thanks and appreciation for their efforts and to Cypress Village for their generous donations.
2026 JANUARY MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (MIC) MEETING
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce hosted the first 2026 Military Affairs Committee (MIC) meeting on January 21st which helps in fostering strong military and civilian relationships.
Base Commanders:
The Blue Angels in '26 show will include Thunderbirds at NAS Jax.
The expansion of VA programs at NAS hospital continues with new partnership and funding.
There are concerns at NS Mayport, where the Anchor Academy elementary school located outside the base gate and on-base school children attend, on its possible closing.
19th F35 has been delivered to the Air National Guard and flying over the local area.
Recruiters:
Army reported out with recruiting numbers.
Navy reported with ROTC scholarship information- if interested in the scholarship program call 904-489-4573/904-882-2851.
Congressional Offices:
The service academy nomination process and other programs that received appointments have begun.
Congressional budget information is expected within the week.
Economic Development:
Recent developments include restoring shipbuilding in Jax, drone manufacturing, and new business issues on capital to expand businesses.
Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department (MAVD):
There are many Veteran support organizations that are helping Veterans but don't have good contact information. This information could be used to support MAVD activities.
The Players Championship (TPC) military tickets become available on 4 Feb and there are more tickets this year.
Military Job Fair at PATRIOT POST 10 March.
Military Appreciation Day 10 Mar at 1600 with ceremony and concert.
Sheriff Office:
Accidents are up
Crime down
Offering free motorcycle classes. Visit JAXSheriff.org to sign up.
SEA CADETS JANUARY DRILL
On January 10th, 2026, the Mayport Sea Cadets hosted their second Open House of the drill season on base at the unit house. We were joined by two new interested families and most of our current cadets along with their parents. CO Ron Harnek held a parent/cadet meeting to share drill plans for the second half of the season as well as goals for the unit. There was a family BBQ, PT and military bearing exercises, awards and promotions, and a short Winter Training Graduation ceremony for those cadets who attended Camp Blanding over winter break (poor weather on January 4th caused the planned Blanding graduation ceremony to be canceled).
On January 24th, our unit visited the HMS40 helicopter training squadron. LT Dominic "Squatch" Garofalo gave an interactive and informative tour of the MH60R, the facilities, and flight line. Cadets were highly engaged and inspired while being permitted to sit in the pilot cockpit and explore the aircraft cabin. The day also included PT, chow, classroom training, military training as well as morning and afternoon colors.
Our next drill is February 7th, where the cadets will be welcomed to the US Marine Corps Reserve Training base for a full day of extreme activities, generously arranged by MNL Past President Brian Kennedy.
MILITARY MONDAYS-DINNERS TO GO (MMDTG) AND FOOD FARMACY (FF)
On Monday January 12th, the Mayport Navy League kicked off its new year with the 2026 Military Monday- Dinners to Go program. It was a blustery, raw and cold day with threatening rain; however, the volunteers supporting this valued event were warm at heart and ready to distribute food to our active-duty military members and their families.
On this day, 300 meals were distributed.The meals included Chick-Fil-A sandwiches or chicken nuggets, a bag of chips, and a bottled water. As usual, the 300 meals were gone in less than 2 hours. The funds for this event were provided through a MOAA grant.
Special thanks to our volunteers who braved the weather from Fleet Landing, MOAA, and our own MNL members: Tom Atkins, Gayle Holmes, Ed Fahy, Victoria & Dicki Fahy, Chet Davis, Mike Marchetti, Carol Smith, Reid Crawshaw, George Huchting, Brian Kennedy, Tim Jenkins, Pat Kluever, and Barbara Ives.
