NIOC Pensacola Sailors Support Syracuse Navy Week
30 September 2024
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Two service members from Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Pensacola supported the U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Fleet Outreach Ambassador Team (FLOAT) during the 2024 Syracuse Navy Week. Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Migdal, NIOC Pensacola’s Operations Officer, and Cyber Warfare Technician First Class Samuel Kohl returned to their hometown of Syracuse, N.Y. from Aug. 26 through Sept. 1 to participate in the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) sponsored event. This is the second time the Navy Week program has visited Syracuse since the program’s inception in 2005.
Throughout the week, Syracuse welcomed Sailors from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron TWO, USS Constitution, Naval Talent Acquisition Group Empire State, Navy Recruiting Command, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Northeast, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Navy eSports, and U.S. Naval Academy. Service members participated in various community events across the city, including volunteering at organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank of Central New York, and Helping Hounds Dog Rescue. Syracuse residents also enjoyed multiple live music events at venues throughout the city performed by Navy Band Northeast.
Migdal and Kohl, both assigned to NIOC Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., participated in Syracuse Navy Week events that highlighted the U.S. Navy and afforded them the opportunity to interact with community leadership and volunteer at various organizations throughout Syracuse. In all, more than 60 Sailors participated in educational and community outreach events across Upstate New York.
Migdal had the unique privilege and honor of acting as the emcee during the Syracuse Navy Week proclamation ceremony at City Hall. He also attended the Great New York State Fair where he was able to pass out Navy-themed items and share his experience as a Sailor with fairgoers.
Migdal emphasized the importance of Sailor involvement in community outreach. “Our diverse culture across the Navy is the bedrock and cornerstone to our success,” said Migdal. “We must continue to share, educate, and discuss our unique missions with those we serve.”
Kohl volunteered alongside 12 Sailors from across the Navy with Helping Hounds Dog Rescue (HHDR), a nonprofit organization that works to find forever homes for rescued dogs. While volunteering at HHDR, Kohl had the chance to walk, feed, and spend time with a multitude of dogs awaiting adoption. Kohl also participated in events at the Great New York State Fair where he was able to provide insight into the Navy’s programs and share his experience as a U.S Navy Sailor with the city of Syracuse.
“Returning to my hometown was an amazing experience. I interacted with veterans and shared my experiences,” said Kohl. “I will remember this opportunity for the rest of my life.”
NIOC Pensacola’s mission is to execute Cyberspace Operations and Signals Intelligence in support of Naval, Joint Forces, and National tasking authorities. NIOC Pensacola also provides administrative and personnel support to its assigned Department of Navy members. NIOC Pensacola is a subordinate command of Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group and comprises Task Group 103 of the U.S. Navy’s 10th Fleet.
For more information on NIOC Pensacola, visit the public web page at
https://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil/nioc-pensacola/ or follow them on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/NIOCPensacola.
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