Completing Overseas Deployment, Kearsarge Holds Naturalization Ceremony

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Twenty-four Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony aboard the ship April 29.

Having a ceremony of this nature while underway presented tough obstacles for all personnel involved.

"This event was very challenging, but we had Sailors from every department come together to help us out to get this event going," said Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Dave Trujillo, one of the coordinators for the ceremony. "Earning citizenship is one of the greatest accomplishments these 24 Sailors will ever know, and the effort put into this ceremony by so many crew members demonstrates that its importance is not lost on any of them."

On hand to make the ceremony official was John Lafferty, district director of the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services for the Rome District.

Lafferty echoed Trujillo's feelings about the difficulties and the magnitude of bestowing citizenship upon deserving individuals.

"It is very challenging to work around the ship's operations while at sea, but we are willing to do whatever it takes to serve our men and women in uniform," said Lafferty. "It's our way of paying back to the service member, and we consider it a privilege."

Because of their service in the U.S. armed forces, these Sailors were able to apply for naturalization under unique guidelines.

"Outlined in Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, special provisions, non-U.S. citizens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of conflict, are eligible for citizenship immediately," said Lafferty.

Capt. Baxter Goodly, Kearsarge's commanding officer, addressed the crowd and America's newest citizens.

"We do a lot of ceremonies aboard Kearsarge but this one is special," said Goodly. "It's an honor and pleasure to host this ceremony."

During the ceremony, the Sailors recited the pledge of allegiance and shortly thereafter were naturalized. Goodly then presented the Sailors with their first dollar as American citizens.

Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Denisse Torrella Perez, a Cuban national, is one of the Sailors who became a U.S. citizen during the ceremony.

"I came to the United States five years ago and to become a citizen now means the world to me. My family lives in the United States, and they are very proud of me," said Perez. "I have accomplished my dream and now I have more opportunities, and I can now get the same benefits as the rest of my shipmates."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Mervyn Diaz of Trinidad and Tobago was also naturalized in the ceremony.

"I have been in the military for 12 years now, and I have been waiting 10 years to become a U.S. citizen," said Diaz. "This is a big moment for me, and I now have more opportunities to advance in my Navy career."

The newly naturalized Sailors were greeted with a special message from President Barrack Obama, who reminded them that they have taken part in a ceremony that millions of Americans before them have done and it is their responsibility to defend and secure the blessings of liberty for all Americans.

Goodly ended the ceremony with a final congratulatory message and told the new U.S. citizens that he has the utmost confidence they will embrace their hard-earned citizenship and keep moving up the ladder of success.

"For the past eight months these Sailors have been deployed to fight the Global War on Terrorism, and each of you have played an important part in it," said Goodly. "I have no doubt that you'll continue to do great things in the Navy. Congratulations!"

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/.