George Washington celebrates Hispanic Heritage

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, AT SEA

10.12.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Loni Lopez,
USS George Washington Public Affairs

PHILILIPPINE SEA –The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on the ship’s mess decks, Oct. 11.

More than 100 George Washington officers and enlisted Sailors attended the event, which featured music, a cultural video, and a cake cutting ceremony to honor the contributions of past and present Hispanic-Latino Sailors.

“This event offers the opportunity to celebrate the rich background, culture, and customs of Hispanics that are a part of our American tradition,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, George Washington’s executive officer and guest speaker. “It’s our multiculturalism that makes our command, the Navy and our country stronger.”

The highlight of the event was a video presentation highlighting the history and accomplishments of Hispanic individuals in the U.S. Navy. Today, more than 58,000 Hispanic Americans serve in the Navy.

“It was surprising to see just how many Hispanics have made a positive influence on our naval history,” said Interior Communications Electrician Seaman Ignacio Nuno, from Traverse City, Michigan. “All the accomplishments and contributions that have been made by Hispanic individuals across the Navy are inspirational and motivating.”

GW’s team of culinary specialists and the ship’s History and Heritage committee catered the celebration, and several Sailors participated in a cake-cutting ceremony with Capt. Gregory Fenton, George Washington’s commanding officer.

“I came here to support my shipmates,” said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Mae Roma, from Santa Maria, California. “Celebrations like these allow the chance for Hispanics aboard George Washington to be recognized for the hardships and sacrifices they made for this country and the Navy.”

Observation of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. President Ronald Reagan expanded it in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs during the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.

“I think this was a excellent occasion for George Washington Sailors to not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage, but also celebrate all of our different backgrounds, experiences and our ability to come together as one team,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jose Alvarez, from Woodbridge,Virginia.

For high resolution photos of USS George Washington (CVN 73), click on our new Flickr website at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uss_george_washington/

• Date Taken: 10.12.2014
• Date Posted: 10.13.2014 05:46
• Story ID: 144950
• Location: USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, AT SEA