OpSail 2012 Launched During Senate Reception

WASHINGTON, DC, Apr 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
Operation Sail (OpSail) and the United States Navy hosted a kick-off
reception, sponsored by Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, in the Kennedy
Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building, announcing their
partnership for the 2012 bicentennial celebrations to commemorate the
'Star-Spangled Banner' and The War of 1812 in port cities along the East
Coast.

"OpSail provides us with a unique opportunity to examine a significant
aspect of our own history. Over the years, OpSail has celebrated the
200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the centennial of
the Statue of Liberty, the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's
landing in America, and the dawning of a new millennium," said Dodd.
"This year, we will once again celebrate the courage of our sailors and
the majesty of our naval fleet, sharing memories with our families and
children as we watch these majestic tall ships."

"These events will include key historical ports and bring people together
to celebrate our history," said Chris O'Brien, Executive Director of
OpSail. "We will give spectators the opportunity to witness tall ships
and warships from around the world and further our goal of preserving our
maritime heritage."

"OpSail is honored to mark the fifth time in nearly 50 years that we have
joined with the U.S. Navy in an effort to bring Navies of the world
together, to recognize our common bond in Sail and the pursuit of
diplomacy," said Jose Fuentes, Chairman of OpSail.

"Working in conjunction with OpSail enables the U.S. Navy to showcase its
warships and the men and women that currently serve our country," said
Admiral Greenert, Vice Chief of Naval Operations. "By infusing our fleet
with the flotilla of tall ships, we bring America's historic beginnings
into the context of a new millennium."

"As Americans, it is our duty to not only celebrate, but to also share
our maritime heritage with the youth of this great nation," said Captain
Pat Burns. "OpSail 2012 will continue a tradition of inspiring young men
and women to grow into the leaders of tomorrow, for generations to come."

Previous OpSail events contributed to the economy of participating port
cities through increased hotel bookings and restaurant reservations,
sales and construction of new infrastructure, while attracting national
and international media.

OpSail International Naval Review 2000 showcased 61 ships from 14
countries and drew more than ten million people to the cities of
Baltimore, New York and New London. OpSail research estimates that six
million people could participate in the OpSail 2012 kick-off event in New
York Harbor, which in 2000 generated a positive economic impact of
approximately $592 million.

Possible port cities include, but are not limited to: New York City,
Boston, Norfolk, Baltimore, New London, New Orleans and Annapolis. To
learn more, please visit the OpSail Web site at www.opsail.org.

About Operation Sail, Inc.
Operation Sail, Inc. is a non-profit
organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John
F. Kennedy. Backed by a congressional resolution, its mission is to
advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. To date, it has
held five international events -- in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, and 2000 --
each tied to a landmark historical event.

About the United States Navy
The U.S. Navy is the sea branch of the U.S.
Armed Forces. The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip
combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression
and maintaining freedom of the seas.

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