On February 27, 2023, the City of Key West and Mayor Teri Johnston hosted a presentation about the island city with an elite group of students.
Fifty-one members of the Naval Command College's Class of 2023 came to City Hall to garner insight into local government. The Naval Command College is part of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where future military leaders worldwide learn about various aspects of American life and culture.
Mayor Teri Johnston greeted the group, noting that sea level rise and sustainability are top priorities for our city. She outlined the island's vulnerability and the ways in which the City is tackling these issues.
Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton gave the group an overview of Key West's historic significance and interconnectedness with the military. He highlighted that Key West is now an official US Coast Guard City.
“Our group of international students, representing 48 different countries, is composed of senior officers, many of whom will be the Chief of their country's military," said Naval Command College representative Ty Lemerande. “Our goal is to educate them about the United States, exposing and enlightening them to as many elements/aspects of our culture as possible."
At the end of the presentation, the group presented Mayor Johnston with a plaque featuring each class member and their nation's flag.