DoD photo by Cherie Cullen The 2-millionth Eagle Scout, Anthony Thomas, addresses the audience during the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., on July 28. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates also spoke during the event, where more than 45,000 Boy Scouts and scout leaders had gathered.

About 800 scouts and adult leaders from 16 states came to NSAW’s Naval Support Facility Anacostia from July 22-Aug. 6, to visit the scout exhibit in the shadow of the Washington Monument and to watch or participate in the centennial parade in Washington and attend the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.

‘‘The military and scouts have a special relationship that goes back decades,” said Capt. John Sears, NSAW commanding officer. ‘‘Many people in our military have been scouts. We are proud to have opened our doors and provide the scouts with an opportunity to visit D.C. and help make the centennial celebration a huge success.”

About 131 scouts on average stayed at the NSF. About 400 scouts were billeted the nights before and after the anniversary parade.

During the day, scouts toured the D.C. area, Navy Museum and Display Ship USS Barry at NSAW’s Washington Navy Yard and visited Ft. A.P. Hill.

Area newspapers, websites and television news reports included images of scouts visiting Congressional representatives, touring the Navy Yard, Capitol Hill, Union Station, the monuments in D.C., Arlington National Cemetery and other sites.

Military installations, including the NSF, have a long history of providing support for scouts during their National Jamboree, held every four years.

‘‘When it became clear that none of the other area military installations were able to host the scouts, we doubled our efforts to overcome the many challenges posed,” said Cmdr. Phillip Raimondo, NSAW executive officer. ‘‘We wanted to assist as many scouts as possible and help make their centennial a memorable one.”

The planning and cooperation between various offices resulted in scouts from as far away as California being able to attend. One group bicycled 2,000 miles during several weeks to be able to attend.

Although high temperatures cancelled outdoor performances by the Naval Academy’s Electric Brigade rock band and the Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note jazz band, the U.S. Marine Corps Band, U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team were able to provide shows.

‘‘Staying at the NSF allowed us to spend a solid week in the capital, touring all the important landmarks,” said Ruben Hueso, Los Angeles, Calif., Troop 121 scoutmaster. ‘‘The memories made possible for our troop are priceless.”

At NSF-Anacostia and Bolling, scouts had access to volleyball and soccer fields, the bowling alley and the pool. The scouts also were able to purchase box lunches from Funari Dining Facility.

‘‘The experience will be one that our boys will cherish for years to come,” said Brad Knick, assistant scoutmaster from Anderson, Ind. ‘‘Our community has been hit hard over the last 20 years after more than 20,000 manufacturing jobs disappeared. Our troop fills a void in one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods. I have no doubt that the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital will in fact be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of our boys.”