ROUTINE R 082059Z NOV 22 MID200080430809U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 074/22 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/NOV// SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 2022 NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH// RMKS/1. The Department of the Navy (DON) joins the nation in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. This month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. Native Americans and Alaskan Natives have served in the DON since the American Revolution and have fought in every major American military conflict. During WWII, Navajo "code talkers" were instrumental in maintaining secure communications between Marine units in the Pacific. They encrypted thousands of secret tactical transmissions, and prevented Japanese forces from intercepting critical information. The "code talkers" took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Admiral Joseph J. Clark, the first Native American graduate of the United States Naval Academy, served courageously during both World Wars while commanding shore and afloat Commands. For his gallantry and distinguished service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Medal (two), the Navy Cross, and the Legion of Merit with Combat. Upon retirement in 1953, Rear Admiral Clark was advanced to the rank of Admiral on the basis of combat citations. Today, more than 8,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian Native American and Alaskan Native members of the DON's total force serve with great honor and distinction. Colonel Nicole Aunapu Mann, a test pilot with the United States Marine Corps, recently became the first Native American woman to go to space when she launched to the International Space Station as commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-5 mission on October 5, 2022. A member of the Wailacki tribe of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Colonel Mann began her career with the Thunderbolts of VMFA-251 and was twice deployed in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her awards include two Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various unit commendations. The DON values the contributions of these dedicated teammates and continues to commit to an inclusive environment that leverages the unique perspectives and talents of all of its members. 2. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//