United States Navy Rear Admiral Dion D. English spoke with Caddo Parish residents Tuesday

On Tuesday, March 21, the Caddo Parish Commission welcomed Rear Admiral Dion D. English (RDML) with the United States Navy.

"America's prosperity depends on a decisive naval power," said English. "Keeping our Navy strong, keeping our Navy focused and keeping our Navy able to conduct its mission is one of the most important challenges that we have ahead of us."

English addressed citizens of Caddo Parish as a part of the United States Navy’s “Navy Week”.  The Shreveport-Bossier area is one of only fifteen U.S. cities nationwide chosen to host “Navy Week”.

Navy week serves as an opportunity for the U.S. Navy to engage with civilians nationwide, highlighting the branch’s services at sea, air and ashore. English said that this program is designed to show the public what the Navy is doing.

"America has always been a maritime nation," said English. "We were founded as a way to protect the freedom of the seas."

English continued by saying that 26% of American jobs are tied to global trade, which equates to about 41 million jobs. Global trade includes the selling of items overseas, taking place in the waters.

"A lot of things arrive by sea," said English. "Whether you ship by air, or rail. But all of those things are connected to make sure that our global economy stays stable, that we continue to grow."

Enlgish's visit teamed with sailors from the USS Louisiana and was a way the Navy could show the Shreveport-Bossier area what they are doing to protect our waterways.

At the end of this week, Barksdale Air Force will host the Barksdale Defenders of Liberty Air Show, where the Blue Angels will perform.

Read: Here's everything you need to know before going to the Defenders of Liberty Air Show

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: United States Navy spoke with Caddo Parish residents Tuesday