U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F) observed African-American/Black History Month with a ceremony and luncheon held at 10th Fleet Headquarters, March 4.

The ceremony honored the contributions African-Americans have made throughout the history of the U.S. Navy and the nation.

"Everyone should be proud of their heritage," said Command Master Chief Jon R. Taylor, the command master chief of FCC/C10F. "This event allows us to step back and remember those leaders, both inside and outside the military, who have impacted society for the better."

Taylor pointed to diversity as a major strength for FCC/C10F and the Navy as a whole.

"Diversity makes us stronger because it brings different ideas and perspectives to the table," said Taylor. "We should take these celebrations as an opportunity to learn and grow as an organization."

This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme "Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memories."

The presentation highlighted contributions of Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey and Adm. Michelle Howard.

"Many of these people paved the way, not just for blacks, but for all minorities," said Legalman 1st Class Victor L. Rolling, one of the event organizers. "This history isn't just relegated to African-American. It is American history."

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, and the Navy's Service Cryptologic Component commander under the National Security Agency/Central Security Service. Fleet Cyber Command also reports directly to the Chief of Naval Operations as an echelon II command.

U.S. 10th Fleet is the operational arm of Fleet Cyber Command and executes its mission through a task force structure.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.