Navy not sending ship for Fourth of July

The U.S. Navy will not be sending a vessel to Eastport this year during Old Home Week. Captain J.E. Campbell, director of public affairs and outreach, gave U.S. Senator Susan Collins the news in mid-April.
"Recognizing budget realities, recently issued Defense Department policy states that outreach events can only be supported with local assets at no cost to the government. As a result, we will unfortunately not be able to provide a ship to your upcoming event."
"Affording our ships and, most importantly, our sailors the opportunity to visit Eastport is important," adds Campbell. "It's a great chance to show our citizens their Navy, as well as introduce them to the dedicated young men and women serving today. We will look for every opportunity to use local assets whenever possible to take advantage of these opportunities."
"While the Eastport Fourth of July Committee was certainly disappointed to hear that the U.S. Navy will not be able to come to Eastport to celebrate Independence Day with us, we understand the tough economic times our country is experiencing right now and will continue to honor the men and women who serve in our armed forces and our veterans who have served in past years," says Barbara Hicks, longtime chair of the Eastport Fourth of July Committee. "It is important to recognize their bravery and sacrifice each and every day and bring special attention to them on our nation's birthday."
"We also had our request for a fly-over denied this year," she adds. "The Air Force had to cancel aviation support to public events for the rest of the fiscal year."
"Our theme this year is 'Eastport, USA, The Spirit of America' and that is what we will live up to," says Hicks. "We are honored to be hosting the Maine Maritime training vessel State of Maine on June 28 and 29 as they help us kick off the Fourth of July events. In addition, there are several new entertainers and bands this year, as well as our traditional events such as the fireman's muster, codfish relay, big wheel race, antique car show, blueberry pie eating contest, beauty pageants, Grand Independence Day Parade and fantastic fireworks over the bay."
"We are looking forward to a very busy and fun‑filled Eastport Fourth of July and Old Home Week celebration," says Hicks.