UNCLASSIFIED 
ROUTINE 
R 021217Z MAY 22 MID200001699118U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
BT 
UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 026/22 
 
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAY// 
 
SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 2022 ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE 
MONTH// 
 
RMKS/1.  Each May, the Department of the Navy (DON) joins the Nation in 
honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for their contributions to our 
Nation.  This year's theme, "Advancing Leaders through Collaboration," speaks 
to furthering diversity and inclusion by fostering a culture of openness, 
trust, and transparency. 
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich legacy of service and 
sacrifice to our Nation.  During World War II, the 442nd Regimental Combat 
Team, comprised of enlisted and volunteer soldiers of Japanese descent, 
bravely fought to defend the United States.  Despite the reality that many in 
their family were in incarceration camps, the 442nd Regiment became the most 
decorated unit in American history with 21 of its members receiving Medals of 
Honor.  In 1942, Lieutenant Susan Ahn Cuddy became the first Korean American 
woman to enlist in the U.S. military, later becoming the first female Navy 
gunnery officer; and in 1963, after extraordinary heroism in the Korean War, 
Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee became the first Asian-American to serve as a regular 
officer in the United States Marine Corps. 
Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders continue to contribute at the 
highest levels of leadership.  In 2015, Admiral Harry B. Harris, the first 
four-star Admiral of Asian descent, assumed Command of U.S. Pacific 
Command.  More recently, in 2021, Ms. Giao Phan became the first Asian 
American woman to serve as the Executive Director for the Naval Sea Systems 
Command, overseeing a global workforce of more than 85,000 military and 
civilian personnel. 
Currently, more than 68,000 of the DON's total force are Asian American, 
Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander.  They work collaboratively alongside 
their fellow Sailors, Marines, and civilians to develop innovative solutions 
to the complex problems faced today.  Together, we are shaping the future of 
the DON and unfolding the limitless possibilities of a collaborative, 
diverse, and inclusive workforce. 
I encourage you to learn more about the cultural heritage and contributions 
of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our Nation at  
https://asianpacificheritage.gov/. 
 
2.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
BT 
#0001 
NNNN 
UNCLASSIFIED//