Bataan Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Alan Robertson | 191015-N-SL179-2049 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 15, 2019) - Capt. Greg Leland, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), delivers closing remarks at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on the mess decks, Oct. 15, 2019. Bataan is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alan L. Robertson)  

ATLANTIC OCEAN

10.18.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Alan Robertson 

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

The United States is a mixture of different cultures and people from around the world, and throughout the years, the U.S. Navy has taken pride in recognizing and celebrating these cultural diversities, as well as the diverse Sailors who serve aboard the U.S. vessels and shore installations across the world.

Members of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) Heritage Committee showcased an enriching ceremony this month highlighting Latin history, cultural food and music, along with the significant contributions of Hispanic Americans to the legacy of the United States and its Armed Forces. The ceremony took place on the mess deck aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault warship, Oct. 15.

National Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, which later expanded into National Hispanic Heritage Month on Aug. 17, 1988. The celebration is now observed from September 15 through October 15 to honor the anniversary independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico gained its independence on September 16 and Chile declared its on Sept 18.

According to those who spoke at Bataan’s ceremony, Hispanic people have had a profound and positive influence on the country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. Currently more than 54,000 individuals of Hispanic heritage serve in United States armed forces.

At the age of 17, Bataan’s co-guest speaker, Chief Air Traffic Controller Laura Lawson, assigned to TACRON 22, enlisted into the United States Navy after graduating from high school. She jested about the language barriers she faced in her 14-year career: “I am the only Dominican chief that speaks three languages; English, Spanish and Spanglish.”

The decision to join the military presents challenges for many individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, such as language barriers and distance from family. However, people of Hispanic heritage have served in every major conflict to protect the American way of life since the United States declared independence from Britain.

“When I arrived at ‘A’ School, I realized that I would need to learn a fourth [language] to communicate effectively on the microphone,” said Lawson. “I was told that because of my accent I would not be able to get many of the qualifications needed and was considered a lost cause when on the mic [microphone]. Years ago my accent was much stronger.”
As a young Sailor, Lawson was faced with the challenge of convincing doubters of her ability in the stressful world of air traffic control. She found others who had to overcome similar barriers and sought the help from those senior individuals.

“One way that I was able to overcome this was by getting a mentor,” said Lawson. “I found someone that I was able to identify with and asked them how they were able to get to where they are in their career. Whether you are born in the United States or come from another country, do not allow other people’s view of your limits and barriers define you.”

This sense of resilience was a lesson Lawson learned quickly, as situational awareness earned her important skill-sets to excel in her military endeavors.

“Everyone has a personal story and something that you can learn,” said Lawson. “Exhaust every opportunity to learn. Things that seem as a challenge for you are just an opportunity for you to learn.”
The Navy is strengthened by the diversity of its force as it underlines that patriots of Hispanic American Heritage continue to build legacies of freedom and diversity as they fight for the security of the country and the peace of the world.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2019
• Date Posted: 10.18.2019 20:02
• Story ID: 348312
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN