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CVN 77 Sailors Participate in American Diversity Heritage Observance Committee celebration
Story Number: NNS130427-01
4/27/2013
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Read Castillo, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Sailors took part in an American Diversity Heritage Observance Committee (ADHOC) celebration, April 21.
George H.W. Bush holds quarterly ADHOC celebrations with the goal of informing the crew about different cultures within the Navy. These celebrations include presentations, performances and guest speakers educating Sailors on the diversity that makes up their crew.
"The goal of ADHOC is to educate the crew," said Lt. Lisseth C. Calvio, ship's psychologist and ADHOC chairman. "It's a vehicle to communicate, and dive even more into our history"
The ADHOC celebration, which took place in the ship's hangar bay, encompassed National Disability/Employment Awareness, Native American Heritage, Martin Luther King Jr., African American/Black History and Women's History.
Yeoman 2nd Class Timothy E. Leininger opened the ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem and the ship's executive officer, Capt. Richard C. McCormack, followed with opening remarks stating the importance of diversity and its role within America's Navy.
"The Navy team's strength comes from its diversity," said McCormack. "Approximately 60 percent of our crew comes from a diverse background. There are 656 females on board making up about 25 percent of the crew. We have 89 American Indian/Alaskan Sailors, 87 Asian-Americans, 652 African-Americans and 451 Hispanic/Latino Sailors. This celebration provides the crew the opportunity to better understand the different cultures which exist within our command."
Guest speakers included Lt. Cmdr. Robert Nelson, a Navy chaplain and disabled active duty wounded warrior who lost hearing in his right ear after his unit's vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) and Lt. Elizabeth DeVault, G-2 Division Ship's Gunnery Officer and a member of the Chickowa nation.
Throughout the celebration, multiple Sailors gave presentations highlighting milestones and influential people within American military history.
Booths were set up with food, giveaways and timelines highlighting significant events that have taken place in each category throughout our nation's history. The ship's commanding officer, Capt. Brian E. Luther, and ADHOC participants took part in cutting the ceremonial cake, concluding the celebration.
"I thought the booths were a nice touch especially for those who missed some of the presentations," said Hinton. "The cake put the finishing touches on everything and definitely brought everyone together."
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