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PACIFIC OCEAN
- The Japan-based nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George
Washington (CVN 73) is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by
hosting a special ceremony Oct. 9 while underway in the western
Pacific Ocean.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month,
which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, George Washington Sailors will
take time to reflect on the significance of Hispanic-Americans’
impact within the Navy.
“There are a lot of people from different places here and the Navy
brings us together,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class Elvis Ortiz from
New York City whose grandmother came to the United States from
Puerto Rico. “Sharing things like our cultures and especially food
really makes me feel like I’m a part of an even bigger family.”
For the ship’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, the Hispanic
cultures will be represented through dance, music, food and speeches
showcasing the diversity within the Hispanic community and
highlighting this year’s theme; ‘Many backgrounds, many stories… one
American spirit’.
“The strength of our Navy and nation is derived from the diversity
of our people. Today, nearly 60,000 Hispanic sailors and officers
serve in the United States Navy, participating in every facet of
naval operations,” said the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary
Roughead in a message to the fleet.
Famous Hispanic Americans Sailors include David Glasgow Farragut,
the son of a Spanish immigrant, who became the Navy’s first admiral
in 1866 and Hospital Corpsman Luis E. Fonseca, Jr. who was awarded
the Navy Cross for saving the lives of several Marines during the
battle of Nasiriyah, Iraq in 2003.
George Washington Sailors see their time in the Navy as an admirable
example not only to their families, but to all Americans of Hispanic
descent.
“Being in the Navy shows others that we can do our part too. I think
that by being in the Navy, we can all show that this is our country
and we can fight too,” said Seaman Erika Flores of Lakeworth, Fla.,
who is of both Mexican and Salvadorian descent.
The celebration of the Hispanic heritage was originally established
in 1968 as a week- long remembrance but extended to a month-long
celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.
USS George Washington is currently on patrol, helping to ensure
security and stability in the Western Pacific Ocean. |
