McAllen proclaims Rio Grande Valley Navy Week; sailors speak about service and local events

McAllen’s City Commission on Jan. 26 proclaimed the week of Jan. 26–Feb. 1, 2026, as Rio Grande Valley Navy Week and welcomed Navy representatives who described the program’s community events and outreach.

Sebby Haddad, mayor pro tem, read the proclamation honoring the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and noting planned Navy Week engagements in McAllen that include ship visits and opportunities for residents to meet sailors. A Navy representative who identified their role as director of the Navy’s total force manpower, training and education requirements thanked the city for the welcome and described Navy Week as an effort to “show you your navy and thank you for your support.” The representative emphasized the Navy’s role in protecting global commerce and noted modernization and workforce initiatives that will create skilled jobs nationally and in Texas.

GSM 3 Acevedo, an engineer aboard the USS Gonzalez, said he grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and recently reenlisted for an additional six years. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be back in my hometown representing the USS Gonzalez,” Acevedo said, adding that the visit was a rare opportunity for sailors from small Texas communities to connect with residents.

Why it matters: Navy Week brings service members and educational programming into areas without a large Navy presence, organizers said, aiming to boost public understanding of naval missions and to highlight recruiting and career opportunities tied to shipbuilding and related industries.

What’s next: City officials and Navy organizers encouraged residents to attend scheduled Navy Week events, speak with sailors and participate in community engagements during the commemorative week.