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PACIFIC OCEAN – The crew of the
Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82)
celebrated the achievements and contributions of Hispanic sailors
during a celebration held Sep. 27 while underway in the western
Pacific.
Hospitalman Apprentice Katherine Jacquez, who participated in the
ceremony, was pleased with the crew’s attentiveness and interest. “A
lot of people really enjoyed themselves, and I think that they
learned a lot from us. I felt proud to be able to share my heritage
with my shipmates.”
The ceremony, hosted by Lassen’s Multicultural Committee to mark
Hispanic Heritage Month, included a history of Hispanic personnel in
the U.S. Navy and traditional dances to popular Hispanic music.
“It’s important for everyone on the ship to be aware of the
contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic sailors,” said Chief
Warrant Officer Felix Cruz. “I wasn’t aware of some of the great
things that members of the Hispanic community have done for us.”
More than 63,000 Hispanic sailors and civilians serve in the
Department of the Navy. Notable historic achievements by Hispanic
personnel include serving as the nation’s first admiral (David
Glasglow Farragut, son of a Spanish immigrant), becoming the Navy’s
all-time third-ranking fighter ace (Eugene Valencia, with 23
victories during World War II), and honorable service by Everett
Alvarez while held as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrols the 7th
Fleet area of responsibility conducting routine operations.
Operating in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th
Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52
million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft, and
20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.
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