Charlie Fleetwood, director at the Ocean View Station
Summary
Charlie Fleetwood, director at the Ocean View Station Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, shares some insights to the small museum’s collection during a visit to their gallery. The museum, located in the Ocean View Section of Norfolk, houses a plethora of artifacts and pictures dating back to the early 1900s; and shares a rich historical connection with the US Navy due to the area’s close proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and JEB Little Creek-Fort Story. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at Laura.L.Orr@navy.mil or at (757) 322-3018. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at Darcy.Sink@navy.mil or at (757) 322-2992. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at Thomas.Dandes@navy.mil or call (757) 322-3106. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released)