More than 300 Navy officers and crew members are expected to be in Juneau as a Navy ship visits Juneau in mid-May, and they’ll be looking to explore the town.
The City and Borough of Juneau is putting together multiple activities for these sailors, including the Adopt-a-Sailor program. Through this program, people from around town can volunteer to make these crew members feel more welcome. The program doesn’t involve actually housing the sailors, but volunteers can make them a meal, show them around town, take them hiking or involve them in other local activities to make them feel at home. The Adopt-a-Sailor program will link volunteers with sailors, leaving the specific activities up to the volunteers to figure out.
The USS O’Kane will be in town from May 13-18, bringing an estimated 330 officers and crew members to town. The O’Kane is in town as part of Exercise Northern Edge, a training excursion that takes place in the Gulf of Alaska. Tours of the O’Kane will be limited due to the fact that it will remain at anchor instead of mooring by the shore. Water taxis will supply the only access to the vessel.
Those interested can sign up on the CBJ website or email questions to adoptasailor@juneau.org.
