A Message from the Commanding Officer

As summer continues, it is time again to celebrate the birthday of our great nation. This year, the U.S. Navy Band performs at the Netherlands Carillon, a bell tower which was a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the people of the United States as a thank you for aiding their country during and after World War II. Located near Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, this amazing bell tower will be the backdrop for our annual Independence Day celebration concert and I invite you to come out and join us.

On behalf of the men and women of the Navy Band, I want to thank and congratulate Lt. Cmdr. Richard Bailey, executive officer of the Navy Band, on the occasion of his retirement from active duty after 28 years of service. The band is grateful for his steadfast service as interim commanding officer in addition to his conducting and executive skills. Rick’s dedication to duty greatly impacted the Navy music program and the Navy Band in a positive manner. I wish him fair winds and following seas as he begins a new chapter of life.

We have scheduled many performances by our ensembles at locations all around the region this summer and I would like to mention the Concerts at the Capitol, our Monday night concerts performed on the west side of the U.S. Capitol building and the Concerts on the Avenue, our Tuesday night concerts performed at the U.S. Navy Memorial. It is our pleasure and privilege to bring these concerts to you and we hope you will come out and enjoy the music.

Brian O. Walden, Captain, USN
Commanding Officer/Leader