Cole Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- Crew members aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) honored the contributions of Hispanic Americans by holding a celebration aboard ship while underway Sept. 29.

Month-long events in support of Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrate the Hispanic influence on American culture and the vast diversity throughout the Navy.

Crew members gathered on the mess decks to eat Hispanic food, which was prepared by the ship's culinary specialists, as well as several crew members of Hispanic descent. During the dinner, a presentation on Hispanic culture was presented by the ship's Hispanic Heritage Committee.

According to the chief of naval operations' message, NAVADMIN 266/09, on Hispanic heritage, "Today, more than 63,000 Hispanic or Latino Sailors and civilians serve honorably in the United States Navy. Every day, in every facet of naval operations, these talented Sailors and civilians work, serve and sacrifice for their country and fellow citizens. They bring unique talents and experiences that enhance our service culture."

Sailors gave presentations on famous Hispanic figures, such as politicians, explorers, warriors and entertainers.

However, one Sailor stood in front of his shipmates and told them that his inspiration was not a well-known Hispanic, it was his mother.

"My mother taught me every single thing about honor, courage and commitment even before I was in the Navy," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) Shariff Burgos. "She was a mother to six children and worked three jobs just to take care of us, and she did it. I'm proud of my mother and every day that I decide to wake up and look at everything positively, it is because of her."

Since 1968, the Navy has observed Hispanic Heritage Month, which coincides with the national independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries, to include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

According to Cole Commanding Officer Cmdr. Edward Devinney, it is very important for Sailors to take time to reflect on the past and appreciate the individuals who have struggled to make freedom possible.

"I am happy to be part of a Navy that takes great pride in its diversity and celebrates the fact that we are all very different," said Devinney. "This is our day today to celebrate the fact that we celebrate each other. We are united in a purpose, and we are united as shipmates on this incredible warship."

For more news from USS Cole (DDG 67), visit www.navy.mil/local/ddg67/.