Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Johnson | PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2022) – Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class...... read more read more
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Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) celebrated Women’s Equality Day with a ceremony on the ship’s mess decks, Aug. 26.
The United States has recognized Women’s Equality Day since 1971 to commemorate the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
“Our country is stronger because of the courageous women who lead and fight in our ranks,” said Cmdr. Grant Bryan, Barry’s commanding officer. “I am thankful for their sacrifices and for the hard work that has made our Navy a stronger and more resilient fighting force today.”
More than 100 participants attended the ceremony, many wearing red bandanas with white polka dots in homage to ‘Rosie the Riveter,” as they reflected on significant achievements and contributions from women throughout American history.
“It is extremely important for us to take the time to appreciate not only the societal and cultural impact women have made throughout the years, but also to recognize the impact we’re making now and will continue to make moving forward,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Katiana Cadet, Barry’s Naval Heritage and Multicultural Committee president.
Women have a history of service in the U.S. Navy dating back to 1908, when the “Sacred Twenty” were appointed after Congress established the Navy Nursing Corps. Throughout the years, women have been at the forefront of many defining moments in naval history.
On Aug. 7, 1972, Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt released “Z-Gram” number 116: Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women. That message established a number of policies, including the authorized limited entry of women into all enlisted ratings and a plan to assign women to ships at sea. Z-Gram 116 would help shape the future of women serving in the Navy for decades to come.
Today, women account for nearly 20 percent of all active duty Sailors, serving in every rank and every job.
“It’s humbling to think about how far things have come over the past century,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Ingrid Santiago, a participant in the ceremony. “All of the sacrifices, achievements and contributions that women have made to our Navy throughout the years are what have made it possible for us to be here today, celebrating that very history at sea.”
Barry is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2022 05:04 |
| Story ID: | 428625 |
| Location: | PHILIPPINE SEA |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Barry Celebrates Women’s Equality Day, by PO1 Gregory Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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