Last fall, MBLX, Inc. jumped on board as the first sponsor of NOLA Navy Week, which kicks off the official commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the creation of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The U.S. Navy and OpSail have joined forces for a spectacular week of events that will be held on the New Orleans Riverfront and throughout the city from April 17-23, 2012.

On Tuesday, April 17, all eyes will be on The Crescent City as the first city to host the series of nationwide events, when a fleet of modern U.S. Navy warships and vessels and three international tall ships will sail into the Port of New Orleans. An estimated 1.5 million visitors are expected, including dignitaries and U.S. Navy leadership, who will be attending on official visits.

According to David P. Schulingkamp, President of MBLX, who has been instrumental in fundraising for NOLA Navy Week, one of the highlights will be the Blue Angels Air Show that will be held at Lakefront Airport on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

“This will be the largest air show that New Orleans has ever seen,” says Schulingkamp. “It will be like Belle Chasse (the annual N’Awlins Air Show) on steroids. The demonstration of Naval air power is crucial to keeping our sea lanes and ports open to international trade.”

Throughout the week, the U.S. Navy warships and vessels and the international tall ships will be open for public viewing. There will also be a seafood cook-off, fireworks, parades and other events honoring the pivotal role the city played in the War of 1812.