Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the attire for the Gala?

A: Cocktail attire. This is typically defined as a jacket and tie or a cocktail dress.

The Deputy Director, front office staff and their guests, including those on active duty, will be wearing suits and ties or cocktail dresses.
Active Duty personnel are encouraged to wear civilian attire. Guidance provided to active duty alumni has been to wear civilian cocktail attire.
You can expect a range of attire, including more formal wear like tuxedos and full length gowns for those who are looking forward to a fancy night out.
You may find this GUIDE TO COCKTAIL ATTIRE FOR WOMEN & MEN from Nordstrom helpful.

Q: Are there paper or electronic tickets for the event?

A: No. We are managing attendance at the Gala via the Naval Reactors 75th Anniversary Gala Guest List and no electronic or paper tickets have been or will be issued. Please confirm that your name is on the guest list and check in at the registration desk when you arrive. You will be given a name badge and lanyard, as well as a card indicating your meal choice.

Q: How do I get to the venue?

A: The Crystal Gateway Marriott is located at 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. The Arlington Ballroom is on the first floor, which is one floor *above* the Lobby floor. There will be signs directing you to the event space once you enter.

Q: Where can I park?

A: There are several parking options available and we also encourage the use of public transportation due to the close proximity of the Crystal City Metro.

Q: What time does the event actually end?

A: There is formal programming scheduled until ~9:30 pm and then after dinner activities will run until ~11:30pm. We have a Cinderella curfew and need to be out of the venue by midnight.

Q: Who is the Keynote Speaker?

A: NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy submariner LCDR Kayla Barron. You can view her bio here: https://www.nasa.gov/people/kayla-barron/

Q: How can I see who else is coming?

A: Access to the Naval Reactors 75th Anniversary Gala Guest List has been shared with those who completed the meal selection survey. If you received an email notification that you have been granted access to view the spreadsheet, be advised that there is a second, manual confirmation required by the committee to confirm your ability to view the spreadsheet. Please be patient as we make our way through these requests as soon as possible after they come in.

Q: My plans have changed and I am no longer able to attend the Gala. What can be done about my tickets?

A: We’re sorry to hear that you are no longer able to attend the Gala and appreciate your understanding with respect to not being able to issue refunds at this point in the planning process. Every effort was made to allow those who can no longer attend to resell their ticket to those who expressed late interest in attending, but this window has closed.

Q: I am interested in sharing my experience as a Naval Reactors employee with other employees/alumni, how do I do that?

A: Please fill out our Heritage Survey here. You can also participate in the interview booth at the Open House or the Gala, answering the questions:

How has the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has impacted your life?
What do you think Admiral Hyman G. Rickover would make of the Program today?

Q: How do I connect with other employees/alumni before the event?

A: Request to join our LinkedIn Group here. You can also join the alumni section of the Naval Reactors Heritage Association, NR-HA.org.