Sailors assigned to Naval Station Everett (NSE) and its tenant commands gathered in the auditorium to celebrate National African-American/Black History Month, Feb. 15.

The event was conducted the by NSE first lieutenant division and featured an educational presentation, a guest speaker, and traditional negro spiritual songs performed by the family of Chief Culinary Specialist James Dorce.

"History has already been made in the past, but we can study elements of what we learned to improve," said retired Machinist's Mate 1st Class Sammie Collins, ceremony guest speaker. "That's what we try do to with history -- learn from all the mistakes of the past and try to make the necessary change to make things better for the next succeeding generation."

African-Americans have served in the U.S. Navy since the Revolutionary War, and now make up 19 percent of enlisted men and women and seven percent of the officer force.

"I hope that Sailors take away the fact that we have to have a diverse military force in order to be the best military we can be," said Collins. "There is so much that every group of individuals has to offer; they bring diverse groups of skill sets to the table to benefit the command."

The Navy recruits and retains people who bring unique talents and ideas to the workforce, regardless of race or background.

"The biggest thing I hope my Sailors take away is to be curious about history -- because black history is American history -- and to look at any kind of unjust, as well as the contributions all the people throughout history have brought to the table," said NSE Command Master Chief Brian Wojcicki.

The Department of Defense has dedicated the month of February to educating Sailors about black history.

A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African-American/Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@us.af.mil.

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