Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) joined their counterparts across the Navy to recognize Black History Month during the month of February.

Harry S. Truman shares a unique historical link to some of the most impactful, integration policy changes that benefitted black Americans due to the ship's namesake, Harry S. Truman. One such change was Truman's executive order 9981, which ended segregation in the armed forces.

Executive order 9981, issued July 26, 1948, stated "it is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale."

Today, the Navy and Truman's crew reflect the diversity of talent made possible by this presidential action.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Darwin White, Truman's Command Managed Equal Opportunity manager said he feels proud to serve on a ship named for the man who was instrumental in bringing positive social change to the military.

"After learning more of Truman's history when I came aboard, I realized how big an impact one man can have," said White. "That's why I feel it's important to recognize the struggles people faced to serve in our military, and celebrate how far we've come as a nation."

African-American Sailors have a long legacy of honorable service dating back as far as the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, black Sailors fought on every kind of warship and made up nearly 25 percent of each ship's crew.

Famous segregated units such as the Tuskegee Airman, the 761st Tank Battalion, and the lesser-known but equally distinguished 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Batallion served their country despite the challenge of discrimination.

During World War II, 12 prior-enlisted black Sailors were commissioned as ensigns and a 13th earned the rank of warrant officer. They were the first group of black servicemen to complete the Navy's officer training and would come to be known as the Golden Thirteen.

These are just a few of the many examples that helped establish the Navy as a force of freedom and equality. Today, African-Americans comprise nearly 20 percent of the Navy's force.

"I've always been proud to serve my country and my Navy, but knowing the heritage and the legacy that came before me makes it all even more worthwhile," said Yeoman 2nd Class Sammy Young. "While celebrating Black History Month, it's important we recognize our past innovators and leaders for what they've done for our country. We continue to remember and honor the foundation they set as we continue to build a greater future for ourelves and for the next generation."

Harry S. Truman is currently undergoing a condensed incremental availability period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard while training and acquiring certifications required for its upcoming deployment scheduled for later this year.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.