GW Hosts Heritage Celebration A Reflection on Service and History

Photo By Seaman Marlan Sawyer | 181114-N-KM722-0003 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov. 14, 2018) From the left, Operations Specialist Seaman Keifer Hanley, Commanding Officer Capt. Glenn Jamison, and Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Trinity Sells, cut a cake during the National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month ceremony onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is undergoing a refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard. RCOH is a four-year project performed once during an aircraft carrier’s life cycle that includes refueling of the ship’s two nuclear reactors, repairs, upgrades and modernization. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marlan Sawyer)  

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, UNITED STATES

11.13.2018

Story by Seaman Marlan Sawyer 

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

The Spirit of Freedom crew on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) gathered on the Floating Accommodation Facility’s mess decks Nov. 14 to celebrate the history, service, and heritage of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
National American Indian Heritage Month (NAIHM) began as American Indian Day in the early 1920s, and then in 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved the month of November as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
The year’s heritage month theme is “Sovereignty, Trust, and Resilience.” The guest speakers for the ceremony were Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Trinity Sells and Operations Specialist Seaman Keifer Hanley.

“I take pride in being an American Indian Sailor,” said Sells. “I will continue my traditional way of life with more determination because living isn't enough for my heritage to survive. It is my time to teach the Navy about the Navajo tribe and its people.”
According to information on Navy History and Heritage Command’s Web site, Native Americans have been a vital part of our military’s success since the ship’s namesake was on the battlefield.
“Since 1776, when Gen. George Washington began enlisting American Indians for his Army, Navy, and Marines, American Indians have contributed significantly to the defense of our nation. During the Civil War, 20,000 American Indians served with Union forces, both at sea and on the land. During World War I, although ineligible for the draft, 15,000 American Indians volunteered to fight in the Great War. Although American Indians have been an integral part of our country long before its birth, American Indian veterans weren’t awarded citizenship and voting rights until 1919.”
It is their service that inspires Operations Specialist Seaman Keifer Hanley to serve and share his heritage with the Navy.
“American Indians that served our country before me paved the way so that I could serve in the U.S. Navy today,” said Hanley. “I enjoy teaching others about American Indian history in general, and more specifically, Navajo history within the U.S. Navy. I am forever grateful for what they have done for me. They will always be remembered.”
According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, there are more than 22,000 American Indians serving in the armed forces. Approximately 11,000 American Indians serve in the U.S. Navy.
“This is really big for me and my family, as I am carrying on another tradition of being in the armed forces aside from my Navajo customs,” said Sells. “They are beyond proud of me for how far I have come and my accomplishments.”
According to an article titled, “Navy Celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage, Contributions” by Yonca Poyraz-Dogan, Navy Office of Information Public Affairs, “American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise 2.3 percent (8,689) of the Navy’s total force, 1 percent (600) of the officer ranks and 2.8 percent (1,206) of enlisted Sailors.”
For Hanley, being able to serve is a great way to keep history alive and share the rich heritage with her Navy family.
“This is an opportunity to learn more about us,” said Hanley. “It's very important that we remember where we originate from as a culture. The heritage of American Indians adds to the Navy’s diversity. The Sailors within the Navy are like family to me. We are equal, and we all make up one piece, the U.S. Navy. ”
The Navy’s leadership remains strongly committed to diversity and emphasizes that the Navy remains highly capable and mission ready by leveraging the strengths of a diverse force.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2018
• Date Posted: 11.28.2018 13:32
• Story ID: 301482
• Location: NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US