SANTA RITA, Guam (Sept. 30, 2015) - The heritage committee onboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) held a celebration for Hispanic heritage month on the ship’s mess decks, Sept. 30.
During the event members of the heritage committee, as well as Sailors of Hispanic descent, spoke about Hispanics throughout history that have made important contributions to our nation.
"The turn out for the event we hosted was an eye opener for me,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Liana Washington. “The event was a reminder of the many milestones Hispanics have had in the community, sports world, and most importantly our Navy."
With strong Hispanic influence in so many aspects of our country, past and present, it would be difficult not to mention many key Hispanic members of our military over the years.
During a speech, Boatswains Mate Seaman Amalya Govea mentioned Hispanic role models like World War II veteran Lt. j.g. Maria Rodriguez Denton and former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa, who inspired her to serve in the Navy.
Capt. Mark A. Prokopius, commanding officer of Emory S. Land, closed out the ceremony by voicing his appreciation of the heritage committee for organizing the event and stressing the importance of diversity in the Navy.
Emory S. Land is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.