An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from around the Fleet

Kearsarge Sailors Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

24 September 2020

From Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Gwyneth Vandevender

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed between Sep. 15-Oct. 15, during an event highlighting the contributions of the American Latino community to the Navy.

NORFOLK--The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed between Sep. 15-Oct. 15, during an event highlighting the contributions of the American Latino community to the Navy.

“This event helps start conversations that we need to have with our diverse Sailors, what they bring to the table, and how we all blend together to get the job done,” said Capt. Neil Koprowski, commanding officer of Kearsarge. “We always tie it to the ship’s mission, and the mission can only be done when our crew is engaged and fired up and all the diversity and cultures come together.”

Lt. Victor Gutierrez, administrative officer of Kearsarge, delivered remarks about his journey from Colombia to America and the challenges he overcame.

“It was really hard moving to America and joining the military not knowing how to speak English,” said Gutierrez. “It took me eight months in the Navy before I could start having full conversations with people.”

He said his inability to fully speak English gave many Sailors doubts, but through hard work and dedication he exceeded expectations.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” said Gutierrez. “If you want something, work hard and dedicate yourself.”

He emphasized to make sure you understand where people are coming from.

“Someone may come from a different culture and approach something differently than you do, but their perspective and experiences are still valuable,” said Gutierrez. “Bringing all of our ideas and cultures together is what makes us strong.”

Following the presentation, there was cultural music and a cake cutting.

Kearsarge is in a maintenance availability following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation.

 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea   |   PSC 478 Box 1   |   FPO AP, 96212-0001
Official U.S. Navy Website