Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Multicultural Committee highlighted the contributions of American military members from Latin American countries during the Hispanic Heritage Month ceremony in the Chapel of Hope, Sept. 25.

Nationally observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month encompasses the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, amplified by this year’s theme “Honoring Hispanic Americans: Essential to the Blueprint of Our Nation.”

From the U.S. Navy’s founding father, Admiral David Farragut, son of George Farragut a naval officer of Spanish descent, to the guided missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 15), commissioned in 2017 in honor of Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, Hispanic contributions are notable inspirations that further acknowledge the breadth of diversity within our armed forces.

“Cultural diversity as a whole, including Sailors of Hispanic backgrounds, allows the Navy to view and solve issues from different points of view,” said Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class Victor Alexander, CFAY’s Multicultural Committee president.

CFAY’s celebration was accented by multiple presentations on the countries of: Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, including an authentic Puerto Rican “Bomba” dance, and a generous offering of flavorful, street-food dishes and refreshments highlighting the significance of Hispanic customs.

“It was an opportunity to share my culture that we cherish with the Sailors serving here abroad in Japan,” said Linnette Kiki Stevens, a representative from CFAY’s Morale Welfare and Recreation department.

CFAY provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, 71 tenant commands, and more than 27,000 military and civilian personnel and their families.

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