Eisenhower Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, AT SEA

05.27.2010

Courtesy Story

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)   

By Seaman David Krieger

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea -- Eisenhower's Multicultural Committee hosted a celebration in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, May 25, in the ship's forecastle here.

This year's theme is "Diverse Leadership for a Diverse Workforce," and guest speakers discussed the role diverse leadership plays in the Navy and the cultures of the Asian and Pacific islands.

"If you take a look around, it is evident that the Navy is one organization that truly embraces diversity," said guest speaker Chief Petty Officer Alain Aglubat. "Aboard IKE alone, there are a good number of different ethnic backgrounds. Diverse leaders are born out of increased diversity in the workforce."

Today nearly 19,000 uniformed personnel and more than 29,000 civilians of Asian and Pacific American heritage serve in the Navy's Total Force.

Aglubat went on to make mention of some of the most notable Asian Pacific American leaders in the Navy, such as Rear Adm. Ming Chang, a Chinese American who became the Department of the Navy Inspector General, and Rear Adm. Gordon Chung-Hoon, a Chinese-Hawaiian who was the first Asian American to become a flag officer. Currently there are six flag officers, 11 members of the Senior Executive Service, three rear admirals (select) and 137 master chief petty officers of Asian and Pacific American heritage are helping lead the Navy.

"As junior officers, senior enlisted, LPOs and work center supervisors, we have the power to achieve greatness through our actions," said Aglubat. "Remember the legacy of our great
Asian Pacific American leaders, for they too were born of humble beginnings."

Static displays at the event showcased the art of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art/science of using the laws of Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to improve one's life, and an origami stand that showed how to make a paper crane.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Seaman Benjamin Gomez gave a demonstration of Chinese Kung-Fu, and Sailors were treated to various dishes native to the various regions of the Asia Pacific cultures.

For centuries, the Asian and Pacific peoples have played a vital role in the development of the United States and have made lasting contributions to the United States Navy. IKE's ceremony was a perfect vehicle to highlight those contributions as well as promote cultural awareness among the crew.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2010
• Date Posted: 05.27.2010 10:41
• Story ID: 50355
• Location: USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, AT SEA