Carl Vinson Observes Women's History Month

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson’s (CVN 70) American Heritage Observance Committee (AHOC) held a ceremony to honor women’s heritage and history March 23 at Huntington Hall in Newport News.

The Women’s History Month observance had educated Carl Vinson Sailors on the significant contributions women have made to the U.S. Navy and to the nation. The points were made in a manner to catch participants’ and the audience’s attention, while stressing the significance of dedicating the month to women.

“I think the recognition and interest in this event was inspiring,” said Hull Technician 2nd Class (SW) Charlotte Moss, a member of AHOC. “Women’s History Month is a great way to recognize women’s accomplishments and how far women have come as leaders in our Navy and our country.”

Lt. Cmdr. Maria Silsdorf, one of the first women nuclear surface warfare officers in the Navy, said she was honored to be the guest speaker for the event and to express the true meaning of the celebration.

“This women’s history observance is an important celebration, because it shows diversity and contributions women have made within the Navy,” said Silsdorf.

Women, working in virtually every profession in the Navy from hospital corpsman, engineers, doctors, pilots, and many other career fields, have been serving in the U.S. Navy since 1917.

Today, the Navy has more than 50,000 women serving, and Carl Vinson alone has 425 (404 enlisted/21 officers) women assigned to the ship.

Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SW) Natalie Hallmark, from Reactor Department, said the celebration was informative, and that she was proud to serve in the Navy regardless of her gender.

“I don’t feel at any disadvantage by being a female in the Navy,” said Hallmark. “I think a positive attitude and good work ethic is what makes a Sailor successful in the Navy.”

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.