Commissioning Questions
Weather
Commissioning ceremony is a rain or shine event.
How do I attend a ceremony?
Register via the request a ticket button. Each person regardless of age is required to have a ticket.
If you are a crewmember’s family, you do not need to complete the online form. Each sailor will be directed by Command to submit a list of their guests. They will be seated in a reserved seating area.
The public may attend ceremony but regardless of age require a ticket. There is a database submitted 30 days prior to commissioning ceremony. Visit commissioning website to request a ticket.
Tickets are mailed by U.S. Navy via USPS.
Be advised we expected 20,000. guests to attend the commissioning ceremony.
Commissioning Ceremony Timeline
The commissioning ceremony will take approx. 1 ½ hours. Guests must be in place a minimum of two hours before the President arrives. Magnetometers will be used at entrance of the pier. Be prepared for this security check. All items are available for search including strollers and scooters.
Did not receive Commissioning Ceremony Tickets
We regret not delivering in time. Tickets are available at dedicated will call locations in downtown Norfolk.
Identification must be provided by guests and must be already in database prior to commissioning weekend. Also verified will be what color ticket they were to receive. Rooms are manned by Navy League members with posted hours of service.
Other Pre-Commissioning events such as Ship’s Sponsor’s Luncheon or Chairman’s Reception
Assistance will be provided at hospitality will call areas. If guests are not at these hotel locations the guest’s names and cell numbers need to be provided for appropriate contact that will be listed at our locations.
Handicap Accessibility
Please indicate required accessibility on request form.
Security
Be advised to follow the rules and regulations were set forth in your invitation-Must have a valid photo ID, bags or coolers are not prohibited. Handbags will be searched. Individuals must go through magnetometers. Personal cameras are allowed.
Transportation
Bus Transportation from selected downtown Norfolk hotels. This is also a security check point to verify ID and ticket colors.
As a courtesy complimentary bus transportation will be provided to all events. It is imperative that guests be on time for bus transportation. Security issues have made it necessary to leave at the times indicated.
Personal Vehicles
If you are using your own vehicle, Base access was provided in your commissioning ticket package. If you do not have that specific base access card, your commissioning ticket will suffice. Directions to the base were also in your commissioning ticket packet. Once on Naval Station Norfolk you will be directed to the appropriate parking area.
Contact Us
Navy League of the United States, Hampton Roads is a nonstock corporation organized under the laws of Virginia and tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Office of Consumer Affairs, Commonwealth of Virginia. Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.