Last modified Wed., March 04, 2009 - 04:53 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 5, 2009

USS Hue City Celebrates Diversity

By Ensign Nicholas Watts-Fernandez , USS Hue City PAO

USS Hue City's multicultural committee organized several events throughout the month of February in an effort to highlight diversity in both the civilian and military worlds.

For more than 80 years, February has been a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and culture of African Americans. Such efforts included a African American History Month meal, an all hands presentation, and a command picnic.

USS Hue City held an all-hands presentation celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans on Feb. 20. Refreshments were served on the mess decks, including a delectable cake prepared by Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Riel.

Capt. A. W. Swain kicked off the event with a discussion about the meaning and background of African American History month and the importance of celebrating diversity in all facets of life. Swain's introduction was followed by a lecture highlighting the contributions of African Americans in the Navy delivered by Command Master Chief Kevin Blade. Senior Chief Gas Turbine Specialist Anthony Edwards, a Jamaican immigrant, also spoke on a personal note about those African Americans in the Navy who influenced and inspired him throughout his career.

Several members of the crew also read poems and sang songs from famous African Americans, and an original poem was delivered by Operations Specialist 2nd Class Olivia Polite.

The month's activities culminated in a command picnic held at Kavanaugh Park on Feb. 27. The Moral Welfare and Recreation committee, in conjunction with the Multicultural committee, served hot dogs, hamburgers and barbequed chicken to the crew and their families while a variety of music was enjoyed by all. Highlights of the picnic were a Tug of War competition, games of Frisbee and football, and pies in the faces of the Executive Officer, Command Master Chief, First Lieutenant, and Combat Systems Officer. The pinnacle of the event was the reenlistment of Personel Specialist 1st Class Surface Warfare Luis Rodriguez-Diaz in the presence of his wife, Saira, and their two children, Melody and Ceasar.

USS Hue City enjoyed celebrating Black History Month and looks forward to recognizing the diversity of all cultures and ethnicities in the months to come.