Tarawa Celebrates Women’s Accomplishments, Past and Present
Story Number: NNS040420-11
Release Date: 4/20/2004 2:17:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class Crystal Landes, USS Tarawa Public Affairs
ABOARD USS TARAWA (NNS) -- The crew members of USS Tarawa (LHA 1) honored women who have helped shape American history during a ceremony April 1, while the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship was under way for sea trials.
Crew members mustered in the hangar bay to honor and recognize the accomplishments of American women who have made celebrating Women’s History Month possible.
“The Women's History Month celebration commemorates all the significant contributions that women have made in the past and also in the present, including the ladies of Tarawa, who make up a significant percentage of the ship's crew,” said event coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Sook Chai, who is also Tarawa’s dental officer.
Six volunteers from the Tarawa Women’s History Month committee, ranging from junior enlisted to senior commissioned officers, each read a biography of a woman who stepped out of the traditional roles of women for their time.
Among the readers was Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Julissa Franklin, who presented the biography of Navy Rear Adm. Grace Hopper, a woman who dedicated her entire life to serving her country. Hopper received many honors, including the National Medal of Technology, Legion of Merit and the Navy Meritorious Service Medal. At the age of 80, Hopper became the oldest active-duty officer in the United States.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jacqueline Shadwick began by reading a short synopsis of Harriet Tubman’s life and accomplishments. Tubman earned her place in history during America’s antebellum period in the mid-1800s, by leading more than 300 slaves to freedom during 19 trips along the Underground Railroad.
“I chose her because she unselfishly put her life on the line in order to help free other slaves,” said Shadwick. “Her dedication in helping to promote equality was courageous and has inspired many.”
After a slide show featuring photos of Tarawa women at work and a brief speech by Tarawa Commanding Officer Capt. John Riley, a cake-cutting celebration was held for the youngest and oldest female enlisted Tarawa crew members.
“From the bridge to the welldeck, I enjoyed capturing images of Tarawa’s women in their unique and very different environments,” said Photographer’s Mate Airman Rayma Cooley, who helped present the ceremony. “I really enjoyed our ceremony, because it shows the diversity of the women we have on board and in the Navy.”
