Sailors participate in Navy Week Sacramento

Groton — Four sailors from USS California participated in Navy Week Sacramento starting July 16.

The Groton-based sailors were scheduled to mentor middle school students attending a Sacramento children’s summer program, meet with the Boys and Girls Scouts of America, participate in a Caps for Kids event at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento and volunteer with the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

One of the four sailors representing the California (SSN 781) hails from San Diego.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the California in Sacramento, as well as the command, the submarine force and the United States Navy,” said Culinary Specialist First Class Joseph Kelley, who traveled to Navy Week with Information Technician Submarines First Class Robert Richardson, Electrician’s Technician Seaman Austin Shogren and Machinist’s Mate Third Class Tyler Phelps.

The Navy holds about 15 Navy Weeks each year and conduct a variety of outreach events in a metropolitan area for one week to share the Navy’s story.