NATCHEZ — The U.S. Navy is dropping anchor in Natchez for a week of festivities to celebrate the city’s tricentennial.

Approximately 75 sailors and U.S. Navy civilians will be participating in Natchez’s Navy Week, which will include Navy divers in dive tank demonstrations, a showcase of naval construction, mine warfare and oceanography equipment, Navy Band Southeast concerts, outreach for local schools and more.

Navy and Natchez Fire Department personnel worked Saturday to fill a dive tank stationed in the parking lot of the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, just one of the aspects of naval operations that Navy personnel will be showcasing throughout the week, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg said.

“We will have static displays and equipment out for citizens to see and come talk to personnel about how they use the equipment and what it does,” Cragg said. “It’s a great opportunity for our American citizens to really understand the Navy’s capability, what they represent and what they do every day in our country.”

The Navy is also participating in events with local veterans.

“I am personally excited to meet with service members from the area,” Cragg said. “It’s wonderful to share those stories, and I’m just really looking forward to meeting with some Navy personnel down there,”

Another important aspect of Navy Week, Cragg said, is the Navy’s participation in outreach with local schools.

Students will have the opportunity to view the demonstrations and equipment on display, and the Natchez High School band is scheduled to perform with the Navy Band Southeast.

The Navy is also partnering with the Natchez-Adams Community Alliance for a cleanup day on the bluff and nature trails.

Cragg said she hopes residents of Natchez and the surrounding areas will come out to participate in the free events for Navy Week.

The Navy, Cragg said, is pleased to be a part of Natchez’s 300th birthday celebration.

“I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity, especially to highlight the significance of Natchez,” she said.

The schedule of events for Navy Week includes:

-A ceremony in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of 9/11 — 6 p.m. today at the Natchez National Cemetery.

-Static displays featuring Navy divers and equipment — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

-A community concert featuring Navy Band Southeast and the Natchez High School Band — 7 p.m. Monday at the Natchez City Auditorium.

-Navy proclamation presented by Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell — 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Natchez City Council Chambers.

-Navy Band Southeast Top 40 concert — 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Natchez bluff gazebo bandstand. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Natchez Performing Arts Center on Homochitto Street.

In conjunction with Navy Week, the Natchez Convention Center and Natchez Grand Hotel is sponsoring a kid’s “fun zone” on the bluff with a slide and bouncy castles from 1:30 to 6 p.m. today. A laser light show will also be displayed at the fountain on the bluff at sundown today.

For more information about Navy Week, contact the Natchez Tricentennial office at 601-446-6345 or email info@natchezms300.com.