Expeditionary Strike Group 3 celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month with a historical presentation and potluck, May 6.

Currently there are more than 24,500 AAPI Sailors serving in the Navy, including eight admirals and 235 master chief and senior chief petty officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups and 100 language groups.

"As a Filipino-American, I think it is beneficial to have a diverse community in the Navy because we can learn from different backgrounds and cultures," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Franklin Tercenio, ESG-3 diversity club member. "It is important to have these celebrations so that we can recognize the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. Without their sacrifices, courage and forward thinking, we would not be as successful as we are today."

AAPIs have fought and served on behalf of the United States since the early 19th century. Past and present AAPI Sailors contribute to the strength of our force and the defense of our nation.

"The Asian American and Pacific Islander culture has such a huge impact in the Navy, and not just because of the diversity, but also the different talents and skillsets that every single culture brings to the table," said Tercenio. "I truly believe that our diversity is what makes us such a dominant force."

In 1978, President Carter signed a joint resolution that was passed by the House of Representatives and then the Senate to establish the first 10 days of May as AAPI week. In 1990, a bill was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush to extend this week to span the whole month of May.

The 2016 AAPI theme is "Walk Together, Embrace Differences, Build Legacies."

"This month we celebrate the intricate diversity within the Navy-Marine Corps team by applauding the efforts of our Asian American and Pacific Islander shipmates," said Rear Adm. Daniel H. "Dano" Fillion, commander, ESG-3. "Their contributions throughout our nation's history continue to strengthen our military's legacy by embracing differences in nationalities and ancestry."

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visit http://www.navy.mil/.