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Operation MWR 2026 Brings Teddy Swims and Miranda Lambert to Naval Station Norfolk

NS Norfolk Operation MWR concert stage

September 18, 2026 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

Washington --- Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (MWR) Operation MWR entertainment series brought approximately 14,000 service members, families and other MWR-eligible patrons and guests together at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk on August 29 for an evening of live music featuring Teddy Swims and special guest Miranda Lambert.

Held at the installation’s Fishing Pier Parking Lot, the concert was well attended by military families, with attendees spreading out on blankets throughout the concert space as the sun set behind aircraft carriers along the Norfolk waterfront. DJ Vito opened the show before Lambert and Swims took the stage. During the show, Swims expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at NS Norfolk and be part of an event bringing service members and families together.

“Operation MWR is so important because it’s just great for our collective patron base to be able to see this type of entertainment right here at Naval Station Norfolk without going outside of the fence line,” said James Shipp, MWR Deputy Director for Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) program. “It’s important to know that leadership is committed to improving Quality of Life for our Sailors and their families.”

Capt. Ray Glenn, NS Norfolk Commanding Officer, also highlighted the opportunity the event provided for Sailors and their families to step away from the demands of daily life.

“What we do every day here is stressful,” Glenn said. “Events like Operation MWR are great because they give Sailors a chance to relax and let their families see the benefits of life in the Navy. An event like this is priceless.”

Operation MWR presenting sponsor USAA and supporting sponsor GOVX also connected with attendees throughout the event. At times, lines at sponsor activation areas stretched approximately 100 people deep, with activities including personalized USAA bucket hats, 360-degree selfies and online giveaways from GOVX.

As part of Navy MWR’s ongoing efforts to enhance Quality of Service, the concerts are designed to inspire resilience, readiness and appreciation across the Navy community. This year’s Operation MWR series also serves as a centerpiece of the Navy and the Nation’s 250th birthday celebration, a two-year tribute honoring 250 years of defending freedom and ensuring peace through strength.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy Entertainment tours make a positive impact on the morale of our troops. The program provides quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about the program, visit NavyMWR.org/Entertainment.

Thank you to Operation MWR 2026’s presenting sponsor USAA and supporting sponsor GOVX. No Navy endorsement implied.

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This is an Official U.S. Navy Website Commander, Navy Installations Command.

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