The diversity committee aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) held a Black History Month celebration for the crew, Feb. 26.

This year's theme, set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and history, is "African Americans in Times of War, " and was selected to commemorate the centennial celebration of the end of World War I. The program highlighted the struggles African American Soldiers faced and overcame to allow the military to be as diverse as it is today.

"The Navy is built on diversity," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Alvin Cotson, the diversity committee coordinator. "Everyone has different backgrounds and different cultures. We all learn from each other. We overcome the segregation faced to be a strong military force. These events highlight the diversity, it's all about being one team one fight."

The event included a presentation highlighting African American War Heroes, a duet of the "Redemption Song," by Bob Marley, and an original poem written by Logistics Specialist 1st Class Andrew Grace, a member of the Mercy's diversity committee.

"I'm glad African American history month came in the beginning of our mission," said Capt. Roberts, commanding officer of Mercy. "Events like this bring us together as a diverse crew. It allows us to celebrate our individual diversities together. The performance was very enjoyable."

The presentation concluded with the cutting of the cake; signaling to the Sailors the time to enjoy dessert while celebrating the history of the African American war heroes who helped pave the way for current and future Sailors.

Mercy, along with Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4), are participating in Pacific Partnership 2018(PP18), the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. PP18's objective is to enhance regional coordination in areas such as medical readiness and preparedness for man-made and natural disasters.

Pacific Partnership 2018 consists of more than 500 U.S. military personnel stationed worldwide, working side-by-side with host nation counterparts to be better prepared for potential humanitarian aid and disaster response situations.

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