Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka (FLCY) commemorated Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with command personnel and Defense Logistics Agency leadership May 31.

Held annually to recognize the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders throughout history, the event included inspirational readings, guest speaker, diverse foods, music and taiko drummers.

The event's guest speaker was Nelson Wu, lead regional engineer with the NAVSUP FLCY fuel division.

“I know that many people have very similar stories growing up. I also know that many Asian Americans have drastically different stories, too,” said Wu. “The beauty of it is that we celebrate all these stories during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”

Wu was born to Chinese parents who immigrated to the U.S. when he was a child. His parents and members of his extended family settled in the suburbs of Washington D.C., many running Chinese restaurant where he would work with his cousins. He said he developed a greater understanding of what it meant to be Asian American during his college years.

“Like many experiences as a first generation child, going to college was new territory for me. I had no guide telling me how to navigate life from here on out. Many of the Asian friends I had in college felt the same way,” said Wu. “That was really when I realized that, although we came from different walks of life, we all felt a common connection on this journey into the unknown.”

Wu graduated college in 2009 and in November of the same year started working for the federal government.

“I do enjoy working for the government, especially the military,” said Wu. “I work directly with the people who will be using the facilities that I help construct and maintain. It's fulfilling to see my work and effort go towards making someone else's life better."

Food, including a roasted pig, and music were a common thread woven through the fabric of the day's event, fundamental pieces in the heritage, traditions and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The taiko ensemble from Shimoda, Japan shared the rhythmic complexity of their drumming. An art form dating back to sixth century, taiko is used as a form of communication, primarily during military action and theatrical performances. In modern times, however, taiko plays a significant role in social movements within and outside Japan.

In his closing remarks, NAVSUP FLCY Commanding Officer Capt. Frank Nevarez noted the many contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders throughout American history.

“We have a common mission here in the Indo-Pacific region that unites us. Our large operational footprint covers a diverse range of nations and people that make up this unique community. It is comprised of 56 different ethnic groups with more than 100 languages,” said Nevarez. “This region is home to four of the world’s largest economies and eight of the world’s busiest ports. We not only operate out of these locations but have a workforce representative of many different cultures.”

Nevarez said the U.S. Navy plays an important role supporting peace and security for Japan.

“Our united FLCY team is part of the larger Navy effort that ensures the smooth transition of ships into and out of this region and supports of our forward-deployed naval forces,” he said. “It’s an important responsibility that unites us in our common mission and ensures the security of the sea lanes.”

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities have served in the U.S. Navy since the early 19th century, including those of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Southeast Asian, Indian and Polynesian heritage. According to Navy statistics, there are close to 25,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors, or seven percent of the total force, currently serving. Among those who served was Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., the former commander of U.S. Pacific Command. Prior to retiring in 2018, Harris was the highest-ranking Japanese American serving in the U.S. Navy.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsup and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.

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