Q: What resources are available for Navy families during deployment at Naval Station Everett?
A: NAVSTA Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at (425) 304-3680 is your primary resource. Services include ombudsman coordination, counseling, financial readiness support, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and connection to community organizations in Everett. Each ship also has a Family Readiness Group (FRG) and an ombudsman who are your link to official ship communication.

What to Do When Your Sailor Deploys from Naval Station Everett: A Family Readiness Guide

USS Gridley (DDG-101) is deployed on Southern Seas 2026. If your sailor is aboard — or if you’re preparing for any NAVSTA Everett deployment — this guide covers the practical steps, resources, and community connections that make the difference between a hard deployment and a manageable one.

First 48 Hours: What to Do Right Now

In the first 48 hours after deployment, the most important things to do are confirm your ombudsman contact, verify your DEERS enrollment is current, and connect with your ship’s Family Readiness Group. These aren’t paperwork formalities — they’re your direct link to the ship and to official communication when schedules change, when port visits happen, and in the event of any emergencies requiring notification.

Confirm your ombudsman: Call NAVSTA’s Fleet and Family Support Center at (425) 304-3680 and ask to be connected with the USS Gridley ombudsman. The ombudsman is the official, Navy-trained link between your ship’s commanding officer and deployed families. They receive official communication and pass it to families — you want to be on their list.

Verify DEERS enrollment: Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System determines your TRICARE eligibility and access to base services. If there are any gaps, resolve them through NAVSTA’s personnel support detachment before you need healthcare.

Connect with the FRG: USS Gridley’s Family Readiness Group organizes events, shares information, and builds the community network that gets families through deployment. Many FRGs use private Facebook groups and group chats. Contact the FFSC if you’re not already connected.

Fleet and Family Support Center: Your Core Resource

NAVSTA Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center is located at 2103 W. Marine View Drive — on base, Building 2103, accessible to CAC-card holders and registered family members. Phone: (425) 304-3680. Services include:

• Deployment support counseling: Individual and group sessions, especially early in deployment
• Financial readiness: Budgeting during deployment, managing allotments, emergency financial assistance
• Transition assistance: For families considering transition to civilian life
• Crisis intervention: If something goes seriously wrong, FFSC coordinates with command
• Spouse education and employment: MySECO career resources and connections to local Everett employers

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) office at NAVSTA Everett provides emergency financial assistance — interest-free loans and grants — for active duty families facing unexpected costs during deployment. Common situations: car repair emergencies, medical costs not fully covered by TRICARE, utility emergencies, travel for family hardship. Reach them at (425) 304-3680 extension 4.

TRICARE: Know Before You Need It

During deployment, your family is covered under TRICARE Prime Remote (for family members living far from a military treatment facility) or TRICARE Prime if you live within 40 miles of NAVSTA Everett. Naval Health Clinic Everett is located on base at Everett — your primary care manager is assigned there.

For specialty referrals, Providencia Everett (now part of Providence Regional Medical Center) and Swedish Edmonds are major civilian network providers for TRICARE in Snohomish County. Know your primary care manager’s contact before you need an urgent referral. If you’re on TRICARE Prime, most services require a referral — emergency services are always covered.

Communication During Southern Seas 2026

The Southern Seas 2026 deployment route — circumnavigating South America — passes through port visits to Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. These port periods are the highest-communication windows: expect more calls, video calls, and social media updates when USS Gridley is in port.

At sea, Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) internet access is available but bandwidth-limited. Many sailors use MWR internet cafes during port calls for better connections. Email through the Navy’s official email systems is typically the most reliable daily communication method at sea.

Important: avoid posting ship location information on public social media, especially anything about port schedules, arrival dates, or departure times. Operational security (OPSEC) protects the crew — the ombudsman and official Navy social media channels are the appropriate sources for location updates after the fact.

Everett Community Resources for Military Families

Beyond the base, Everett has a supportive military family community. The Snohomish County Veterans and Human Services Fund provides resources at (425) 388-3428. The Volunteers of America Western Washington military family services office in Everett offers advocacy and connection. And the Everett Public Library at 2702 Hoyt Avenue has a dedicated veterans and military family services desk with resources on local navigation.

Commissary and Navy Exchange access at NAVSTA Everett remains available to eligible family members throughout deployment. The commissary offers significant savings on groceries — a practical financial resource during the months your sailor is away.

For context on USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 mission, read our complete deployment guide. For more on NAVSTA Everett’s role in the city, see our NAVSTA Everett knowledge hub.

FAQ: NAVSTA Everett Family Readiness During Deployment

Where is the Fleet and Family Support Center at NAVSTA Everett?

Building 2103 W. Marine View Drive, Naval Station Everett. Phone: (425) 304-3680. Accessible to CAC-card holders and registered family members. Hours vary — call ahead.

What is an ombudsman and how do I reach USS Gridley’s?

An ombudsman is a Navy-trained volunteer, typically a family member, who serves as the official communication link between ship command and families. Contact NAVSTA’s FFSC at (425) 304-3680 to connect with the USS Gridley ombudsman. They receive official ship communication and pass relevant updates to families.

What does TRICARE cover for family members at NAVSTA Everett?

TRICARE Prime covers comprehensive medical care through Naval Health Clinic Everett and a network of civilian providers. Most specialty care requires a referral. Emergency services are always covered. Contact TRICARE at 1-800-444-5445 or tricare.mil for specific coverage questions.

Are there support groups for military families in Everett?

Yes. NAVSTA’s FFSC coordinates both formal counseling and informal support groups. Ship FRGs organize family events. The Snohomish County Veterans and Human Services Fund (425-388-3428) provides community-level resources.

How can I get emergency financial assistance during deployment?

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett provides emergency interest-free loans and grants for eligible military families. Reach them at NAVSTA FFSC at (425) 304-3680 ext. 4. Zero-interest loans typically process within 24-48 hours for verified emergencies.

Q: When is MercyMe playing at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett?
A: MercyMe performs at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Special guest Tim Timmons opens the show. Tickets start at $48.

Angel of the Winds Arena has had a big April — AEW Dynamite and Collision, Silvertips playoff games, and now, closing out the month in style, MercyMe brings the Wonder + Awe Tour to Everett on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM.

For Christian music fans in the Pacific Northwest, this is the show of the spring. MercyMe is one of the most beloved acts in the genre, with a catalog that spans three decades and includes one of the best-selling Christian singles of all time. If you’ve been waiting for a large-arena experience with meaningful music and an electric crowd, April 24 is your night.

Here’s everything you need to know.

The Show: What to Expect

MercyMe’s Wonder + Awe Tour is a full production — lights, sound design, and a setlist built around their biggest hits alongside material from their most recent work. These aren’t acoustic living-room shows. This is a proper arena production with a full band, designed to fill a venue the size of Angel of the Winds Arena.

The Arena seats up to 10,000 for concerts, and the general seating layout means there’s a solid sight line from almost anywhere in the building. Whether you’re on the floor or up in the bowl, you’re going to hear everything clearly and see the full stage setup without straining.

Special guest Tim Timmons opens the evening. If you’re not familiar with Timmons yet, he’s a singer-songwriter in the faith-based music world with a reputation for intimate, deeply personal live performances. Getting a full Tim Timmons set before MercyMe takes the stage is essentially getting two quality shows for the price of one — and for fans who discover him that night, it’s likely to be a new favorite artist found.

About MercyMe

If you’re new to MercyMe, here’s the short version: they’re a Christian contemporary band from Greenville, Texas, who have been making music since the mid-1990s. Their song “I Can Only Imagine” — released in 1999 — went on to become the best-selling Christian single of all time and eventually inspired a feature film of the same name in 2018.

Lead singer Bart Millard has one of those instantly recognizable voices. The band has been touring consistently for nearly thirty years, and their live shows have a reputation for being both high-energy and deeply sincere — a combination that’s harder to pull off than it sounds. They’re one of those acts where even people who didn’t think they were fans walk out having had a genuinely moving experience.

The Wonder + Awe Tour draws on their full catalog. Longtime fans can expect the classics they’ve loved for decades. Newer fans will hear where the band has taken their sound in recent years. Either way, you’re not leaving that arena without feeling like you got a proper show.

Tickets: What You Need to Know

Tickets for MercyMe at Angel of the Winds Arena on April 24 start at $48 and are available through multiple platforms:

• Ticketmaster — primary seller, widest selection of seats
• SeatGeek — often competitive on secondary market pricing
• AXS — another primary option with good seat maps
• VividSeats & Gametime — secondary market for sold-out sections

A few things to keep in mind: the ticket limit is 8 per customer. No re-entry after leaving the venue. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena. Standard Angel of the Winds Arena policies apply throughout the evening.

At $48 to start, this is reasonably priced for a full arena production. If you’re considering going, sooner is better — shows at the Arena tend to sell through once they get within two weeks of the date.

Getting There: Angel of the Winds Arena

Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Ave in downtown Everett. If you haven’t been to a show there recently, it’s a well-run facility with parking options nearby and straightforward freeway access from I-5.

For a 7:00 PM showtime, doors typically open around 6:00 PM — confirm the exact time on your ticket. Arriving a bit early gives you time to find your seats, grab something from the concession stands, and get settled before Tim Timmons kicks off the evening.

Why This Show Matters for Everett

One thing worth stepping back to appreciate: April at Angel of the Winds Arena has been remarkably diverse this year. Professional wrestling, WHL playoff hockey, and now one of the premier acts in Christian contemporary music. That’s the kind of event calendar that cities twice the size of Everett would be proud of.

For families, for couples looking for a meaningful night out, for groups of friends who’ve been meaning to catch a live show — MercyMe on April 24 is a genuinely excellent option. The music connects, the production is professional, and Angel of the Winds Arena is one of the better live music settings in the Pacific Northwest for this kind of show.

Don’t sleep on this one. Ten days from tonight, that arena is going to be full for a reason.

Quick Reference

• Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
• Show time: 7:00 PM PT
• Venue: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA
• Special guest: Tim Timmons
• Tickets from: $48 (Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, AXS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does MercyMe start at Angel of the Winds Arena?

Showtime is 7:00 PM PT on April 24. Doors typically open around 6:00 PM — confirm on your specific ticket.

Who is opening for MercyMe in Everett?

Tim Timmons is the special guest and opener for MercyMe’s Wonder + Awe Tour stop at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

How much are MercyMe tickets in Everett?

Tickets start at $48 on Ticketmaster and SeatGeek for the April 24, 2026 show at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Is MercyMe appropriate for families and kids?

MercyMe shows are generally all-ages and family-friendly. Confirm any specific age restrictions directly with the venue for certain ticket sections.

Where is Angel of the Winds Arena?

Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201 in downtown Everett.

What is MercyMe’s most famous song?

“I Can Only Imagine” — released in 1999, it became the best-selling Christian single of all time and later inspired a 2018 feature film. Expect it in the setlist.

Q: How did the Everett AquaSox do in their first home series of 2026?
A: The Everett AquaSox went 4-2 against the Tri-City Dust Devils in their first home series of 2026, bouncing back from a brutal 17-2 opening night loss to take four of the six games at Everett Memorial Stadium.

It was the worst home opener in recent memory. On April 7, the Everett AquaSox walked out in front of their home fans for the first time in 2026 and proceeded to lose 17-2 to the Tri-City Dust Devils. In baseball terms, it’s the kind of result that makes fans cringe, beat writers reach for extra coffee, and front offices quietly remind themselves that it’s a long season.

But here’s the thing: the AquaSox didn’t fold. They didn’t let one historically ugly night define their week. Over the next five games, they went 4-1 and finished their first home series at 4-2 — a genuinely solid result when you consider how badly they started it.

Here’s what we learned from the first homestand of the 2026 AquaSox campaign.

The Opener Was That Bad — and That’s Okay

Let’s just acknowledge it. A 17-2 loss is rough. The Tri-City Dust Devils scored 16 runs in the first four innings, including multiple extra-base hits and a home run from Jake Munroe — who crushed a three-run blast to left for his first professional home run. Capri Ortiz added multiple RBIs, and the Dust Devils took a sledgehammer to Everett’s pitching early.

For fans who showed up expecting a classic home opener, it was a rough welcome back. But Minor League Baseball is full of blowout games. High-A ball is where prospects are actively developing — and development means inconsistency. Pitchers walk through bad stretches. Lineups have nights where nothing clicks. The AquaSox have enough talent on this roster that one 17-2 loss tells us almost nothing about the arc of their season.

Colton Shaw Was the Star of the Week

If you’re looking for a reason to get excited about this AquaSox rotation, start with Colton Shaw. The right-hander and Yale alum turned in the standout pitching performance of the home series in the April 10 blowout win: six innings pitched, zero runs allowed, three hits, seven strikeouts, and zero walks.

That’s a masterclass in efficiency. Seven strikeouts with no walks in six innings is a line that would look good in Triple-A, let alone High-A. The AquaSox offense backed him up with a 14-5 victory — a thorough dismantling of the Dust Devils that flipped the momentum of the series entirely.

Shaw is going to be a prospect worth following all season. The pedigree (Ivy League arm), the stuff (strikeout rate), and the command (zero BBs on six innings) all point to someone capable of moving quickly through the system. Write the name down.

Luke Stevenson and Jonny Farmelo: Names to Remember

Going into the season, two position players from the Mariners’ system that deserve your attention in Everett are Luke Stevenson and Jonny Farmelo.

Stevenson has been in the middle of multiple wins during the early season — contributing in the 14-5 blowout and highlighted alongside Colton Shaw in the HeraldNet writeup about back-to-back wins. He has a patient, disciplined approach at the plate that tends to translate at every level of the game. The Mariners value this kind of hitter in their development pipeline.

Farmelo is one of the more exciting athletes on this roster. If you’ve been to an AquaSox game and someone made a play that made you forget it was a Tuesday night in April, Farmelo may have been involved. He’s a name that Mariners fans at the major league level are already tracking in the farm system.

Felnin Celesten and the Supporting Cast

Beyond the marquee names, this AquaSox roster has depth throughout the lineup. The April 10 blowout featured contributions from Felnin Celesten, Anthony Donofrio, Josh Caron, Brandon Eike, Carter Dorighi, Carlos Jimenez, and Axel Sanchez. That’s not a team leaning on two or three players — that’s a lineup with contributors across the order.

For Mariners fans tracking organizational depth, this matters. The front office has invested in building out the High-A affiliate with prospects at multiple positions. The early returns on who’s going to break out are just starting to come in. The first two weeks of April gave us a handful of names to remember.

The Series Finale Stings — But Only a Little

Losing 5-2 to Tri-City in the April 12 series finale doesn’t erase the good work that came before it. The AquaSox had already won four games at that point. They’d shown they could compete with and beat a Tri-City team that will be in the Northwest League playoff picture come summer.

A series-finale loss is a chapter, not the whole story. By any reasonable measure, the AquaSox responded well after the nightmare opener. That’s the resilience you want to see from a young roster.

What’s Next for the AquaSox

The team is currently on a road stretch before returning to Everett Memorial Stadium for a six-game homestand against the Spokane Indians, beginning Tuesday, April 21. That series will be another opportunity for fans to see what this roster can do — and to see if Colton Shaw, Luke Stevenson, and the rest of the crew can build momentum heading into the heart of the season.

Overall, the AquaSox are a .500 club finding their footing — exactly what you’d expect from a High-A team integrating new prospects, developing pitching arms, and working through the early-season growing pains that come with every minor league campaign.

The home opener from hell has been answered. The bounce-back was real. Now let’s see what the rest of April brings at Everett Memorial Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Everett AquaSox record in 2026?

After their first homestand, the AquaSox went 4-2 against the Tri-City Dust Devils, bringing them to a competitive position in the early Northwest League standings. Their full season record includes opening road games in Spokane as well.

Who is Colton Shaw on the AquaSox?

Colton Shaw is a right-handed starting pitcher and Yale alum in the Mariners’ system. He made a strong impression during the first home series, throwing six shutout innings against Tri-City with seven strikeouts and zero walks.

What Mariners prospects are on the 2026 AquaSox?

Notable names include Luke Stevenson, Jonny Farmelo, Felnin Celesten, Anthony Donofrio, Josh Caron, and Colton Shaw among others. The AquaSox serve as the Seattle Mariners’ High-A affiliate in the Northwest League.

When is the next AquaSox home series?

The next home series at Everett Memorial Stadium runs April 21-26, 2026 against the Spokane Indians.

Where do the AquaSox play their home games?

The AquaSox play at Everett Memorial Stadium in Everett, Washington. It’s one of the best Minor League Baseball experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Are the AquaSox affiliated with the Seattle Mariners?

Yes. The Everett AquaSox are the official High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball’s Northwest League.

Q: What is the Everett Silvertips series score in the 2026 WHL playoffs second round?
A: The Everett Silvertips lead the Kelowna Rockets 3-0 in the second round of the 2026 WHL playoffs. Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

The Everett Silvertips have done something in the Okanagan that very few visiting teams ever accomplish: they walked into Prospera Place and left as convincing winners.

Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinal puts the Silvertips one win away from completing a second-round sweep — and from setting up a potential showdown against whoever survives the rest of the bracket. More than that, it sends a statement to every team still alive in the 2026 WHL postseason: the Tips don’t just win at home. They win everywhere.

The Series So Far: Everett Has Been Dominant

Let’s back up and look at how we got here. When the bracket set up Everett — the Western Conference’s top regular season seed — against the #4 Kelowna Rockets (who happen to be hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup), everyone expected a competitive series. The Rockets are a proud organization playing in front of their home fans in what is supposed to be their championship year.

The Silvertips have not been interested in playing to script.

Game 1 at Angel of the Winds Arena on April 10 set the tone immediately. Everett won 4-1, dictating pace and exposing gaps in the Rockets’ defensive structure from the opening puck drop. Game 2, also at the Arena on April 11, was tougher — Kelowna threw 39 shots at Silvertips goaltender Anders Miller — but Everett’s special teams told the story.

The Tips went 2-for-3 on the power play in Game 2, converting with Carter Bear (his first playoff goal) and Julius Miettinen. More impressive: the penalty kill went a perfect 6-for-6, suffocating every Rockets man-advantage opportunity. Miller finished with 37 saves on 39 shots — exactly the kind of goaltending performance that changes a series.

Into the Rockets’ Den — And It Didn’t Matter

Games 3 and 4 shifted to Prospera Place in Kelowna, and home ice was supposed to matter. The Rockets are playing for their city, for the Memorial Cup crowd energy that will fill this building in May — this was supposed to be a turning point.

Instead, Everett walked in on Tuesday night and won again, 4-1, in front of 3,562 fans who went home quiet. The Tips are now 3-0 in the series — one win from sweeping the Memorial Cup host on their own ice.

The pattern is clear: disciplined structure, efficient special teams, and a goalie who won’t give up soft goals. That combination travels. Everett has shown that this isn’t a team that wins because of home crowd energy — they win because of how they play.

Game 4 Is Wednesday Night — Sweep Is on the Table

This is the moment. Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT, also at Prospera Place in Kelowna. Win, and the Silvertips advance to the WHL Western Conference Final. They’d also have the distinction of sweeping the Memorial Cup host in its own building — which would be one of the more memorable playoff storylines in recent Everett hockey history.

Kelowna will be desperate. A crowd that came to watch their team host a championship and instead watches them get swept out in the second round is not a scenario they’ll accept without a fight. The Rockets will throw everything at the Silvertips on Wednesday night.

But this Everett team has shown no signs of taking their foot off the gas. They’ve been businesslike since the first puck of the postseason — and right now, they have the look of a team that knows it’s playing well.

Why the Silvertips Are Built for This

A few things stand out about how the Silvertips have dominated this series:

The special teams edge has been decisive. That 6-for-6 penalty kill in Game 2 wasn’t a fluke — it reflects disciplined defensive structure and goaltending you can count on. When you kill every penalty your opponent gets, you eliminate one of the biggest momentum swings in playoff hockey.

Anders Miller has stepped up when it counted. Playoff goaltending is a different animal than the regular season. The shots get harder, the lanes tighter, and the mental side demands more. Miller’s 37-save performance in Game 2 — absorbing a high-volume Rockets attack without letting it crack the lead — is exactly the kind of game that builds team-wide confidence through a long playoff run.

The lineup depth is real. Goal scorers across Games 1 and 2 included Zackary Shantz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Carter Bear, and Julius Miettinen. That’s not a team living and dying on one or two players. When the top of the lineup gets some attention from the defense, someone else steps up.

The Injury Backdrop

One element that hangs over this series is the Game 2 incident involving Kelowna’s Ty Halaburda, who was injured and required hospitalization following a collision during the April 11 game. While playoff hockey is a physical sport and the focus remains on competition, the human element matters. Both fan bases will be monitoring Halaburda’s recovery. The Rockets are already facing a steep deficit — losing a player adds another layer of adversity to their situation.

What a Sweep Would Mean

If the Silvertips close out Game 4 on Wednesday, they will have gone a combined 8-0 through the first two rounds of the 2026 WHL Playoffs — sweeping the Memorial Cup host on their own ice, advancing with maximum rest while other teams grind out long series, and firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Western Conference Final.

For Everett fans, this is the time to be paying close attention. The Silvertips are playing some of the most complete hockey this organization has produced in years — and Wednesday night in Kelowna is a chance to make history.

Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna. The sweep is on the table. Let’s go, Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Silvertips-Rockets series score?

The Everett Silvertips lead the series 3-0 following Tuesday’s 4-1 win in Game 3 at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

When is Game 4?

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.

Who is the Silvertips’ goalie for the 2026 playoffs?

Anders Miller has been in goal for Everett. He made 37 saves in Game 2, a key performance in the Tips’ 4-2 win.

Why is the Kelowna series especially meaningful?

The Kelowna Rockets are the host team of the 2026 WHL Memorial Cup, set for May 2026 at Prospera Place. That makes their potential playoff exit on home ice — and at the hands of the Silvertips — a significant story.

Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 2?

Carter Bear (power play, first playoff goal), Julius Miettinen (power play), Jaxsin Vaughan, and Zackary Shantz scored for Everett in the 4-2 Game 2 win at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Are there Silvertips tickets for a potential Game 5 in Everett?

If the series extends, Game 5 would return to Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 17 at 7:05 PM PT. Check the Everett Silvertips’ official site for ticket availability.

Q: Is an Everett Navy ship currently deployed on Southern Seas 2026?
A: Yes. USS Gridley (DDG-101), homeported at Naval Station Everett since 2016, departed as part of Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz for Southern Seas 2026 — a circumnavigation of South America announced by U.S. Southern Command on March 23, 2026.

When USS Nimitz (CVN-68) headed south for the Southern Seas 2026 deployment in late March, it didn’t travel alone. Alongside the legendary aircraft carrier sailed USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer homeported right here at Naval Station Everett. For the families of Gridley’s crew — the spouses, children, and partners watching the Puget Sound waterfront — this deployment carries real weight. Southern Seas 2026 is no routine exercise. It’s a circumnavigation of South America, a deployment that takes Everett sailors through some of the most strategically significant and geographically dramatic waters in the world.

What Is Southern Seas 2026?

Southern Seas is a long-running series of U.S. 4th Fleet partnership deployments, now in its 11th iteration since the program launched in 2007. Designed to strengthen maritime relationships between the United States and South American partner nations, Southern Seas deployments blend military-to-military training with high-level diplomatic engagement along the continent’s coastlines.

This year’s deployment — officially announced March 23 by U.S. Southern Command — sends USS Nimitz and USS Gridley south as the core of Carrier Strike Group 11, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 17. The ships are scheduled to conduct passing exercises, maritime operations, and subject matter expert exchanges with naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica — brief windows for sailors to call home, recharge, and experience ports most Americans will never see.

“The Southern Seas 2026 deployment provides a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with our partner-nation forces across the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet.

USS Gridley: Everett’s Ship in the Southern Seas

USS Gridley (DDG-101) arrived at Naval Station Everett as her permanent homeport in July 2016, and has been woven into this community ever since. Named for Captain Charles Gridley — the officer who received Admiral Dewey’s famous “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley” command at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 — the ship has a distinguished history stretching back to her commissioning on February 10, 2007.

Gridley is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyer, the workhorses of the surface Navy. Capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface strike missions, destroyers like Gridley provide the multi-mission escort capability that makes a carrier strike group lethal across all domains.

For Southern Seas 2026, Gridley’s crew will operate in close coordination with USS Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing 17 as they transit through South American waters, executing the kind of complex, multi-domain operations that define modern carrier strike group operations. And while those sailors focus on the mission ahead, their families back in Everett face months of daily life without them home.

What Military Families Experience During a Major Deployment

Deployment is never easy, and a circumnavigation of South America represents an extended absence. Communication opportunities depend on operational schedules and port call windows. Some weeks bring frequent contact; others bring silence. Military families in the Everett area know this rhythm intimately — and the organizations that serve them have built their programs around it.

For the spouses, children, and partners left behind, the months ahead call for community, practical resources, and the knowledge that help is close by. Naval Station Everett’s support network is one of the most robust in the Pacific Fleet. Here’s where to turn.

Where NAVSTA Everett Families Can Turn for Support

Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC)

The Fleet & Family Support Center at NAVSTA Everett is the first stop for any military family navigating deployment. The center provides individual counseling, marriage and family therapy, financial counseling, deployment support services, and relocation assistance — all at no cost to active duty personnel and their families.

To schedule an appointment, call the Centralized Scheduling Center at 425-304-3735. For urgent counseling support, the counseling line at 866-854-0638 is available. Every FFSC counselor holds a master’s or doctoral degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology.

MWR Everett

Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) at Naval Station Everett keeps military families connected and engaged when sailors are at sea. From fitness facilities and child and youth programs to the newly revived Mountaineering Program launching in 2026, MWR offers the activities and community events that make a meaningful difference during long separations. Programs are regularly posted at everett.navylifepnw.com.

Military OneSource

Available 24/7 at 800-342-9647, Military OneSource connects service members and families to financial counselors, non-medical counseling, tax preparation assistance, and a comprehensive database of local and national resources. For Everett families, it’s a powerful supplement to in-person services at the base.

Ship Ombudsman Network

Each homeported ship maintains an ombudsman — typically a spouse trained to serve as the communication link between the command and families on shore. During Southern Seas 2026, USS Gridley’s ombudsman will be the primary point of contact for deployment updates, port call news, and family events. Families who aren’t yet connected with their ship’s ombudsman should reach out through the FFSC at 425-304-3735.

Snohomish County Veterans Services

Active duty families often don’t know that Snohomish County’s Veterans Assistance Program at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, serves not just veterans but military families facing hardship. Services include emergency financial assistance, food assistance, and referrals to community resources. The office can be reached through the county’s main line at snohomishcountywa.gov.

The Bigger Picture: What Southern Seas Means for U.S. Partnership in the Western Hemisphere

Southern Seas 2026 arrives at a moment of heightened focus on hemispheric maritime security. The deployment’s sweeping itinerary — touching every major coastal nation on the continent — reflects the strategic importance Washington places on its relationships with South American naval partners. Engagements planned with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay represent a rare opportunity for American and partner-nation sailors to train alongside one another in real operating environments.

For the sailors of USS Gridley, Southern Seas is an opportunity to represent the Pacific Northwest on an international stage. These are the at-sea experiences — operating with a carrier strike group, executing exercises with foreign navies, navigating unfamiliar waters — that no training base can fully replicate. For Everett, the significance runs deeper. When USS Gridley sails, the city’s name sails with her.

How to Follow the Deployment

Official unclassified updates and photography from Southern Seas 2026 are posted on DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) at dvidshub.net and through U.S. Southern Command’s public affairs channels at southcom.mil. Families can also follow USS Gridley’s official social media presence for unclassified updates and port visit photos.

A reminder from the desk: operational security (OPSEC) matters to every sailor’s family. Please refrain from posting specific ship locations, movement schedules, or operational details on social media — even information that seems innocuous can be harmful in aggregate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is USS Gridley homeported?

USS Gridley (DDG-101) is homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington, where she has been based since July 2016.

What is Southern Seas 2026?

Southern Seas 2026 is the 11th iteration of a U.S. 4th Fleet deployment series focused on building maritime partnerships and interoperability with South American and Western Hemisphere partner navies. The 2026 mission includes USS Nimitz and USS Gridley circumnavigating South America with port visits planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica.

Which countries are part of Southern Seas 2026?

Planned engagements include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

How long is the Southern Seas 2026 deployment?

The Navy has not publicly specified the exact duration. Southern Seas deployments typically run several months and include an extended transit through South American waters.

What support is available for military families during deployment?

Naval Station Everett’s Fleet & Family Support Center (425-304-3735) offers free counseling, financial services, and deployment support. Military OneSource (800-342-9647) is available 24/7 for additional resources.

How can families follow the deployment?

Official unclassified updates are published on DVIDS at dvidshub.net and through U.S. Southern Command’s public affairs channels. Families should be careful not to share operational details on social media.

→ For the complete family deployment guide, see: USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

Silvertips Round 2 Snapshot: The Everett Silvertips lead the Kelowna Rockets 2–0 in the 2026 WHL Western Conference Semifinals after winning both home games at Angel of the Winds Arena. Game 3 is Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT in Kelowna.

Silvertips Win Games 1 & 2, Head to Kelowna With a 2–0 Series Lead

The Everett Silvertips are two wins away from advancing to the WHL Western Conference Finals. After a dominant first-round sweep of the Portland Winterhawks — outscoring them 25–5 across four games — the Tips carried that momentum into Round 2, winning back-to-back games against the Kelowna Rockets at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Game 1 ended 4–1 on Friday, April 10. Game 2 went 4–2 on Saturday, April 11 in a physical contest that grabbed headlines beyond the scoreboard. The series now shifts to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Games 3 and 4.

Game 1 Recap: Busch Leads the Way in 4–1 Win

Shea Busch opened the scoring on the power play in the first period, and the Silvertips never looked back. Matias Vanhanen added the eventual game-winner, with Landon DuPont and Julius Miettinen also finding the net. Everett went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill — a theme that would define the series.

Kelowna’s only goal came from Ty Halaburda, who beat goaltender Anders Miller just 23 seconds into the second period. Rockets goalie Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves but couldn’t overcome Everett’s efficiency at both ends of the ice.

Game 2 Recap: Miller Shines, Special Teams Win the Night in 4–2 Win

Saturday’s game was louder and more intense. Kelowna came out flying in the first period, outshooting Everett 20–11, but the Silvertips went 6-for-6 on the penalty kill and Anders Miller stopped 37 of 38 shots to seal the win.

Goals from Zackary Shantz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Carter Bear (power play), and Julius Miettinen (power play) gave Everett the 4–2 final. Kelowna’s Hayden Paupanekis and Owen Folstrom scored for the Rockets.

The game was stopped midway through the third period when Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice after a collision along the boards. Halaburda remained conscious and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. The Rockets confirmed he was “alert and conscious” overnight. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.

Game 3 Preview: Can Kelowna Use Home Ice?

The series heads to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT. Game 4 follows Wednesday, April 15, also in Kelowna.

Kelowna has yet to beat Everett in any game this season — the Silvertips went 4–0–0–0 against the Rockets in the regular season. But three of those four wins were decided by a single goal, and the Rockets swept the Kamloops Blazers in the first round. Home ice and crowd noise could be a factor.

Everett has a star-studded lineup on the ice. Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings prospect), Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken affiliate), Landon DuPont, and Matias Vanhanen are the offensive drivers. On defense, the penalty kill has been near-perfect across Round 2. Coach Steve Hamilton has his team locked in.

If the Silvertips sweep again, they return home to Angel of the Winds Arena for Game 5 on Friday, April 17.

Frequently Asked Questions: Silvertips Round 2

Q: Is AEW coming to Everett in 2026?
A: Yes — AEW presents Dynamite & Collision: Spring Break-Thru at Angel of the Winds Arena on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Dynamite airs live on TBS, with Collision taped immediately after for TNT. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

AEW Is Coming to Everett: Everything You Need to Know About Dynamite & Collision on April 15

If you’ve been sleeping on wrestling, this is your wake-up call: All Elite Wrestling is coming to Angel of the Winds Arena on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and this is not a house show. This is a live television double-header — AEW Dynamite airing live on TBS, immediately followed by a taping of AEW Collision for TNT. Two full shows. One night. Right here in Everett.

The event is branded AEW Dynamite & Collision: Spring Break-Thru, and it falls three days after AEW Dynasty — the company’s major pay-per-view event going down in Vancouver, BC on April 12. That means the Everett crowd is going to be walking into the immediate fallout from one of the biggest nights on the AEW calendar. Championship changes, storyline twists, wrestler feuds getting kicked into overdrive — it’s all going to land at Angel of the Winds Arena on a Wednesday night.

If you’ve never been to a live AEW show, this is the one to catch. Let’s break it all down.

What Is AEW Dynamite?

AEW (All Elite Wrestling) is the most significant alternative to WWE in professional wrestling right now — and AEW Dynamite is the company’s flagship weekly television program. It airs live every Wednesday on TBS, drawing a consistent national audience and featuring some of the best in-ring talent anywhere in the world.

What makes AEW different from what WWE fans may remember from their childhood: the emphasis is on in-ring performance. Long matches. Hard-hitting action. Technical wrestling from names you might recognize — Kenny Omega, MJF, CM Punk (back in AEW after a dramatic return), Jon Moxley, Will Ospreay, Chris Jericho. These are legitimate world-class wrestlers, and a live show is a completely different experience from watching on television.

AEW Collision airs on TNT (also part of Warner Bros. Discovery) and follows a similar format. The Everett taping gives AEW two hours of content for Dynamite and a full Collision episode — meaning the roster will be fully deployed that night. Big matches. Title defenses. Major storyline moments.

The Dynasty Fallout Factor

The reason the April 15 Everett show is particularly interesting: it’s the first Dynamite after AEW Dynasty, a pay-per-view that’s shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest events. Dynasty goes down Sunday, April 12 in Vancouver, and then — three days later — the fallout lands in your backyard.

This year’s Dynasty card is stacked. MJF defends the AEW World Championship against Kenny Omega. Jon Moxley takes on Will Ospreay for the Continental Championship. There’s a Casino Gauntlet for the TNT Title, a massive tag title match featuring FTR versus Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, and Chris Jericho — who just signed a new multi-year deal — making his return to in-ring action against Ricochet.

Whatever happens at Dynasty, the Everett crowd gets the aftermath. New champions arriving hot. Storylines that just exploded getting their next chapter. The electric tension that follows a major pay-per-view is unlike anything else in pro wrestling, and it plays differently live in the building than on a TV broadcast. The Everett crowd will have opinions, and AEW crowds are loud and knowledgeable.

Names to Know Before You Go

MJF — Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the reigning AEW World Champion and arguably the best talker in professional wrestling right now. Whether he walks in as champion or walking away from Dynasty with the belt around someone else’s waist, his presence at the Everett taping is likely. He’s must-watch television.

Kenny Omega — One of the best in-ring performers on the planet, full stop. His matches have a cinematic quality to them that doesn’t fully translate through a screen. Watching Omega work live is a different experience entirely.

Jon Moxley — Former AEW World Champion multiple times over, current Continental Champion, and one of the most intense presences in any arena he enters. The Everett crowd will go absolutely electric for Moxley.

Will Ospreay — The British Aerial Assassin is one of the most technically gifted wrestlers alive. If you want to understand why wrestling fans lose their minds over AEW’s in-ring product, watch Ospreay for five minutes.

Chris Jericho — Everett fans of a certain age remember Jericho from his WWE days, but his second act in AEW has been extraordinary. He just signed a new multi-year deal and is returning to the ring at Dynasty. Le Champion is almost certainly going to have something to say in Everett.

Darby Allin — Pacific Northwest’s own. Darby grew up in Seattle and is one of the most beloved figures in AEW — a fearless, skateboarding, death-defying highflyer with a face-paint aesthetic that’s become iconic. The Everett crowd will treat him like a hometown hero, because he basically is.

What to Expect at a Live AEW Show

If you’ve never been to a live wrestling event, here’s what to know: it’s louder than you expect, the sight lines from almost anywhere in Angel of the Winds Arena are excellent for wrestling (it’s a more intimate venue than a stadium), and the crowd itself is part of the entertainment. AEW fans chant, they react instantly to callbacks and references, and they do not tolerate bad wrestling — which means you’re generally watching a crowd that’s deeply invested in what’s happening in the ring.

For the Dynamite taping, cameras are rolling live. The show starts promptly (usually 5:00 PM PT for the 8:00 PM ET airtime on TBS). Collision typically follows right after — so budget for a long evening. Bring your voice, wear your gear if you have it, and don’t be surprised if you end up trending on wrestling Twitter by the end of the night.

Tickets and Venue Info

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett, easily accessible via I-5 and Everett Transit. The Les Schwab Box Office handles in-person and group sales — call (425) 322-2600 for group ticket inquiries.

The venue seats around 10,000 for wrestling configurations, which means there isn’t a bad seat in the house for a show like this. Upper deck seats give you a great elevated view of the full ring; floor seats put you close to the action and the commentary table.

The Bigger Picture: Angel of the Winds Arena Is Having a Year

AEW on April 15 is just one piece of a stacked 2026 events calendar at Angel of the Winds Arena. Silvertips playoff games are running right now through at least mid-April. Life Surge comes in May. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE fills the building in late May. Billy Strings plays two nights in October. Skate America arrives in November.

Everett’s arena has always punched above its weight for a city its size — and the 2026 booking calendar is proof. AEW choosing Angel of the Winds Arena for a live TV taping isn’t random; the company knows this is a wrestling market that shows up, gets loud, and makes great television. The Everett crowd has a chance to represent the Pacific Northwest on national television on April 15.

Don’t waste it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AEW Spring Break-Thru?

AEW Spring Break-Thru is the branded name for the two-night Dynamite & Collision taping event, with the Everett show on April 15 being the Dynamite taping (live on TBS) followed immediately by Collision (taped for TNT).

What time does AEW Dynamite start in Everett?

AEW Dynamite airs live on TBS at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. Doors typically open 90 minutes before showtime. The Collision taping follows immediately after Dynamite.

Where do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and through the Les Schwab Box Office at Angel of the Winds Arena. Call (425) 322-2600 for group sales.

Is this a good show for first-time wrestling fans?

Absolutely. AEW shows are designed to be accessible to new fans while rewarding longtime followers. The athleticism and energy in the building is compelling even without deep storyline knowledge.

Is Darby Allin from the Pacific Northwest?

Yes — Darby Allin grew up in Seattle and is one of AEW’s most popular performers. Everett audiences tend to give him a massive home crowd reaction.

What other events are coming to Angel of the Winds Arena in 2026?

In addition to AEW on April 15, upcoming events include Silvertips playoff games (ongoing), MercyMe (April 24), Life Surge (May 16), Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE (May 30-31), Billy Strings two nights (October 9), and Skate America (November 13-15).

Where is Angel of the Winds Arena?

Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett, WA. It’s accessible via I-5 and served by Everett Transit. Parking is available in nearby surface lots and garages.