ECC celebrates heritage and diversity

Photo By Ernesto Hernandez Fonte | Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brittney Cannady, assigned to Expeditionary Combat Camera, speaks about the life of late Vice Adm. Samuel Gravely during a heritage and diversity event at Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 21. Gravely was the first African-American officer in the U.S. Navy to serve on a warship, command a ship, become a fleet commander, and attain the rank of flag officer. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

01.21.2015

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class tyler hogman 

Expeditionary Combat Camera

NORFOLK, Va. – Sailors assigned to Expeditionary Combat Camera (ECC), gathered for their monthly Command Heritage and Diversity day, Jan. 21.

The event paid tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent fight for equality, honored the U.S. Navy’s first African-American admiral and highlighted the importance of fitness.

Mass Communication Specialist First Class Bryce Bruns, the Command Heritage and Diversity Committee President, spoke about Dr. King’s achievements in the field of civil rights.

“I think it’s great that the chain of command, from top to bottom, sees the importance of heritage and diversity and allows us to put together an outstanding presentation every month,” said Bruns.

Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Britteny Cannady spoke about Samuel L. Gravely, the first African American to earn the rank of vice admiral in the Navy. Cannady explained how his achievements helped pave a road of opportunity for her and many others.

“I have so much admiration and respect for the men and woman who came before me,” said Cannady.

After Cannady’s presentation, Mass Communication Specialist First Class Maddelin Angebrand, an ECC command fitness leader, explained the importance of fitness in the Navy. January is International Weight Loss Month and being that ECC is expeditionary in nature, Angebrand felt the need to focus on fat loss and muscle gain instead of just weight loss in general.

“For the job that we do, you have to be able to carry your camera equipment and around thirty pounds of other equipment on your body,” Angebrand explained.

The last presentation was given by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Steve Hill and covered the origin of the song “Anchors Aweigh.” In conclusion, the group stood and sang the song in unison to close the event.

“You have to understand what has come before you to understand where you want to go in the future,” said Cmdr. Doug Gabos, officer in charge of ECC, about the importance of these monthly gatherings. “I think that is a big part of what these days are about.”

The mission of ECC is to provide the office of the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Military Departments, Combatant Commands and joint task forces with a directed imagery capability in support of operational and planning requirements through the full range of military operations.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2015
• Date Posted: 01.26.2015 16:36
• Story ID: 152761
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US