Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles Rings in the Year of the Rabbit

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- Navy Recruiters from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Los Angeles took part in the 2011 Golden Dragon Parade and Festival in downtown Los Angeles, Feb. 5.

Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen, deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet; is the grandson of Chinese immigrants and served as the honorary grand marshal for the parade through downtown Chinatown.

"I'm honored to be a part of this celebration, this is my second year here, and I'm looking forward to a great time" said Yuen.

Hundreds of Angelinos from all walks of life lined the streets of Chinatown to view local marching bands, colorful floats, and dragon and lion dancers as they marched in honor of the year of the rabbit.

According to the Chinese zodiac, each year is ruled by one of 12 animals — rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, dog, horse, sheep, rooster, pig, monkey and ox.

During the parade, members from the Navy team stopped to shake hands and take photos with the cheering crowd.

"The outpouring of support today has been fantastic," said Lt. Jason Julao, NRD Los Angeles assistant operations officer. "And today we're celebrating with one of many cultures that help to make America great."

Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Tran, Navy Personnel Command Navy regional diversity outreach officer, coordinated the Navy's efforts to join with the Chinese Chamber to support this year's festivities.

"Supporting events like the Golden Dragon Parade is a part of the Navy's outreach efforts to reach a variety of diverse populations," said Tran. "By partnering with the various communities here in Los Angeles, we are helping to generate knowledge of the Navy and what the Navy means for Angelinos."

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrd-la/.