Pacific Islander Heritage Keeps Pilot in the Navy

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Blue Ridge class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) held a special celebration for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month organized by the ship's Multi-Cultural Committee, May 25.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

The event featured presentations about the culture and Sailors shared some of their own experiences.

Lt. Cmdr. Donnie Quilon grew up in a family that came to America from the Pacific Islands.

"My father always gave everything his best and tried to take advantage of everything he could," said Quilon. "When my father joined the Navy, it made it possible for him to come to America from the Philippines."

During aviation training, Lt. Cmdr. Quilon would frequently telephone his father, who had also served in the Navy. It was during one of these conversations that he told his dad how difficult it was and maybe it was not for him.

"He knew that I was really struggling," said Quilon. "But, my father told me about his trials and tribulations, of leaving the Philippines for a better life in the U.S. and that joining the Navy was the greatest event for the family."

Lt. Cmdr. Quilon was influenced by his father's strong work ethic, perseverance and insistence to not give up on his training. Without it, Quilon believes he might not be a naval aviator today.

"If you do your best, then no one can take that away from you," said Quilon.

USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck engineering and supply service operations, while military personnel aboard support communications, weapons systems and security.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/ .