THURSDAY TIDINGS: NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

THURSDAY TIDINGS: NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Introduction By NHF Executive Director, Rear Admiral Sonny Masso, USN (Ret.)

Thursday Tidings this week focuses on National Hispanic Heritage Month which is a great time to reflect on our Navy’s rich Hispanic Heritage and the many accomplishments they have made in making our Navy the best in the world. Major League Baseball last night honored the career of Roberto Clemente as part of their Hispanic Heritage and appreciation. Some of the persons we will feature are the Navy equivalent. Service over self. Sacrifice. Going to any lengths to accomplish a mission. Ethics. Integrity.  READ FULL NEWSLETTER

World Maritime Day: Empowering Women

World Maritime Day: Empowering Women

BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE 2019-09-25 19:11:34

September 26 is World Maritime Day, and it is being celebrated this year under the theme “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.”

“Gender equality has been recognized as one of the key platforms on which people can build a sustainable future. It is one of the 17 goals that underpin the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda, which countries all over the world have pledged to implement,” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.  READ ARTICLE

Hispanic Heritage Month – Sep 15 – Oct 15

Hispanic Heritage Month – Sep 15 – Oct 15

By: Yonca Poyraz-Dogan, Navy Office of Information Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy observes National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, highlighting the histories and accomplishments of Americans from Spanish-speaking areas.

This year’s theme is “Hispanics: A History of Serving Our Nation.”

As of June 2018, approximately 59,000 active and Reserve Sailors of Hispanic heritage serve in the U.S. Navy contributing to the strength of the nation’s force. Hispanic Americans’ military service dates back to the Civil War.

One well-known example is Jorge Farragut who was born on the Spanish island of Minorca and joined the South Carolina Navy in 1779. Remembered as one of the first Hispanic Revolutionary War heroes, he was instrumental in securing a Union victory in New Orleans on April 28, 1862. When Adm. Farragut died in 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant led 10,000 Soldiers and Sailors through the streets of New York during his funeral procession.

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Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) Outreach Opportunities

We have an opportunity to become more active with the Navy Recruiting Command (NRC). They have invited NNOA to participate in their outreach events. Here is the link to their calendar of events: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kBgfKBAkgFh5MfQkKL-Aii_8r408ssgP29fwZ81Nxx0/edit?usp=sharing

NNOA members, if you can participate in any of these events, please contact LCDR Ryan Director, Diversity and Outreach, Navy Recruiting Command at:

Thank you.

Yours in Service,

Dr. Mary E. McAdams
CAPT, USN (Ret.)
NNOA Executive Vice President

JO IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Lieutenant Commander David A. Smith, USCG

JO IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Lieutenant Commander David A. Smith, USCG

BIOGRAPHY – 

Lieutenant Commander David A. Smith serves as the liaison between Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander and Navy Third Fleet Commander. Located at Third Fleet Headquarters in San Diego, CA, he is responsible for coordinating efforts to maximize interoperability between the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Theater.

Lieutenant Commander Smith’s Coast Guard experience spans five afloat tours including command of a forward deployed Patrol Boat
in the Arabian Gulf, supporting the U.S Navy Fifth Fleet Central Command. As Commanding Officer, he was responsible for 25 personnel, a $135K annual budget, and $7.2 million in property.  While in Bahrain, he experienced multiple, potentially incendiary
encounters with Iranian warships, including one incident in which a Revolutionary Guard Corp Navy warship aggressively crossed his bow within 50 yards in an attempt to provoke a response. As a key contributor to the national intelligence dialogue, he validated illicit smuggling theories by exploiting engagements with local dhows while simultaneously disrupting efforts to smuggle high-grade explosives, automatic weapons, and ammunition. Under his leadership, his vessel was recognized during the 2015 Hopley Yeaton 
Cutter Excellence Award for exceptional performance, operational expertise, and value brought to the nation. While in Bahrain he also facilitated numerous meetings with senior United Arab Emirates (UAE) civilian and military officers. His liaison efforts led to the  first joint search & rescue exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and UAE Coast Guard. 

Lieutenant Commander Smith’s staff tours included Command Duty Officer and Search & Rescue coordinator from 2010 to 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. He oversaw Coast Guard responses and coordinated rescues for distressed mariners on the Great Lakes. His  expertise in SAR earned him the highest proficiency score in 2013 from Coast Guard Yorktown’s standardization team. As the Evergreen Project Manager from 2016 to 2019, he led efforts to develop U.S. Coast Guard future scenarios that looked toward a 20 year horizon to identify departmental capability gaps. He also developed service wide strategies to include the Coast Guard’s Arctic  and Maritime Commerce Strategy. While in Washington, D.C. Lieutenant Commander Smith directly served the President of the United States and First Family as a White House Social Aide.  Lieutenant Commander Smith is a permanent Cutterman. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal (three awards), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar (two awards), and various other unit and service awards.