Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month closes out

More than a thousand Sailors and Marines crowded together in Hangar Bay One Sunday evening for the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month closing ceremony and talent show.

The crew of Indy and Carrier Air Wing FIVE celebrated this event with activities like movie nights on the forecastle, special meals on the after mess decks, and a golf tournament in Dubai, U.A.E. The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month committee also held spades and chess tournaments.

"A good job and well done to all those who made this celebration a grand success," Capt. Mark R. Milliken, Indy's Commanding Officer said. "The more you understand about the history of others, the more you understand the history of the American culture."

During the ceremony, Indy's Battle Group Commander, Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr. expressed his thanks to the Sailors who put this months festivities together and reminded the crew of the meaning and purpose of this special month.

"The challenge of the month was to learn and gain an appreciation for the fellow Navy professionals who come from the Asian-Pacific part of the world," Moore said. "I hope everyone of you took this opportunity, and have learned these individuals are no different than you."

More than 22,000 military service members originate from the Asian-Pacific region.

The festivities were completed with a cake cutting ceremony and the talent show competition.

PHOTO1: Airman Apprentice James Rich sings Lords Prayer & Daddy's Home during the talent contest. Photo by: PHAN Chris Howell

PHOTO2: Sailors and Marines watching the talent show in Hangar Bay One. Photo by: PHAN Chris Howell.

See more photos on the May 31 Notepad