LGBT Pride Month celebrated aboard George Washington

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PHILIPPINE SEA

06.30.2015

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Sloan,
USS George Washington Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA – Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in an observance ceremony in honor and support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, June 29.

The event was the ship’s inaugural observance of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) LGBT Pride Month, which included remarks by Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, George Washington’s commanding officer and the ceremony’s guest speaker Lt. Caitlin Castello, George Washington’s reactor controls division officer, and a video presentation and cake cutting.

“Diversity is more than just our ethnic background, and it’s what makes this Navy so strong,” said Kuehhas. “During the month of June we reflect on the dignity and respect for all.”

With emotion in her voice, Castello told the story of her personal journey through the Navy as a member of the LGBT community.

“I remember watching President Obama sign the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in the wardroom of my last ship and calling my friend in tears,” said Castello. “These were not tears of unrivaled joy and hope for the LGBT community. Instead they were tears of shame for not living honestly and openly beforehand out of fear. During my time in the Navy, our organization has made leaps and bounds toward equality and valuing all of our people. Nobody should be afraid about being honest and open about who they are with their peers or superiors. The honest and open atmosphere honors the unique capabilities and talents that each of us has to offer.”

Castello also described the improvements in her working environments throughout her career, and emphasized how equal opportunity, integrity and respect remain cornerstones of the Navy’s culture.

Several George Washington Sailors shared their thoughts on serving openly in the Navy during a video presentation.

“It’s a mark of success to be comfortable with who you are,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Jacob Gonzales, from Corpus Christie, Texas. “It shows that we not only have the support of the friends and families, but our nation and military to express ourselves and be apart of the community of our choosing. We’re all here for the mission and here for each other.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2015
• Date Posted: 07.02.2015 05:57
• Story ID: 168578
• Location: USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PHILIPPINE SEA