ROUTINE 
R 152138Z SEP 22 MID200080210319U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
BT 
UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 062/22 
 
MSGIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/SEP // 
 
SUBJ/ Department of the Navy 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month// 
 
RMKS/1.  Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we pay tribute to the 
significant contributions, culture, and long history of Hispanic Americans 
during National Hispanic Heritage Month.  This tradition was introduced as 
"Hispanic Heritage Week" in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and later 
extended to a month-long observance in 1988 by President Ronald W. 
Reagan.  The 2022 theme, "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," 
reinforces the need to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed in 
decision-making processes and in doing so, help to build stronger communities 
and a stronger Nation. 
 
Hispanic Americans have a storied history within the Department of the Navy 
(DON).  In 2011, the USNS CESAR CHAVEZ (T-AKE-14) was named in honor of the 
Navy Veteran, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the United Farm 
Workers of America for his non-violent methods to draw national attention to 
farm workers' working and living conditions.  Major General Angela Salinas, 
the first female to command a Marine Corps Recruit Depot, became the first 
Hispanic female to become a general in the Marines.  Rear Admiral Christina 
M. Alvarado was the first nurse of Hispanic heritage to be selected to the 
rank of Rear Admiral in the Nurse Corps and then became the first Hispanic 
female to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral Upper Half.  Patriots of Hispanic 
American Heritage continue to construct legacies of freedom as they battle 
for the safety and security of the United States of America and the world's 
peace.  I am proud to count myself among those in the Hispanic American 
community who continue to contribute to the Department of the Navy's legacy. 
 
Today, more than 400,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian members of 
Hispanic descent continue to serve in the DON.  Our people provide the 
foundational strength for the Department.  In leveraging the talent, 
expertise, leadership, and collaboration of our force, we are building a 
strategic framework and implementation strategy that retains our competitive 
edge, creates capacity, and positions us for success.  The DON remains 
committed to creating an inclusive environment where all voices are welcome. 
 
As part of our commitment, the Department is establishing a monthly listening 
session to ensure there is a channel for service members and civilians to 
share their experiences and help inform the DON Diversity, Equity, and 
Inclusion Program Office on the various policies and programs that impact the 
Hispanic community most.  I encourage all who are interested to contact 
DON_DEI@us.navy.mil for more information. 
 
2.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
BT 
#0001 
NNNN 
UNCLASSIFIED//