The Portland-Blueback Council's primary objective is to raise public awareness of the significance of our maritime services to residents and public officials in the greater Portland area. One of the ways we achieve this objective is through participation in Fleet Week during Rose Festival. We have an information chalet at the waterfront and assist with the Portland waterfront ship visits that occur during Fleet Week. This year, after a two-year hiatus, Navy and Coast Guard ship rides from Astoria were again available. If you are an educator or public official interested in riding one of the vessels in 2023, watch this page or the Fleet Week page on the Rose Festival website for information on applying to ride the ships.
In 2018 our council sponsored the Commissioning of the USS Portland LPD 27, at Terminal 2 here in Portland. An event that was enjoyed by 7,000 of our citizens. On May 28th 2022, the USS Oregon (SSN 793), was commissioned in Groton, CT. Again, our council stepped up with many individuals participating on the Commissioning Committee and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support that event.
While COVID is still a concern, we started to again have in-person, quarterly, brunch and dinner meetings. We work hard to feature active duty and civilian guest speakers from the local maritime community, who provide enlightening and thought-provoking presentations. We also plan to reinstitute field trips to maritime installations throughout the northwest, such as the CG Surf School in Astoria and the submarine base in Bangor, WA. Please watch this site for future announcements.
Our council has adopted a number of active duty units in Oregon. We have adopted two Coast Guard cutters, and a buoy tender as well as the local Coast Guard Station. The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps class at Oregon State is also an adopted unit, and we present an officer's sword to the outstanding Navy midshipman graduate every year.
We are also charged with maintaining the USS Oregon (BB-3) Memorial mast located at the Portland waterfront, for the city.
There are five Sea Cadet chapters across Oregon, and we support all of them, raising sea service awareness amongst young people ages 10 thru 18.
Our membership is open to all who have an interest in promoting and learning about our nation's Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine services. For membership in both our local council as well as Navy League national contact Ray Hanson, Membership Chairman or use the Membership button on the left side of the home page.
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