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Ronald Reagan Sailors Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month

FOR RELEASE: 6/29/2007

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, Coronado, CA -- Sailors assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) had a chance to take a break from work and enjoy a special celebration June 28 at Heron Park aboard Naval Air Station North Island in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

President George Bush proclaimed Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June 2006, encouraging more understanding of the heritage and history of Caribbean-Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States.

Sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Strike Group Diversity Committee, the event featured guest speakers who talked about diversity and the Caribbean culture. There was also music, dancers and traditional Caribbean food for everyone to enjoy.

“Diversity is not about race or gender, it is about difference,” said Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Darnell Forde, one of the guest speakers at the event. “Cultural diversity forms part of our American history as it is being written today. And through it, America continues to be strong.”

According to Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Adonica Johnson, who is a member of the diversity committee, the purpose of the event was to pay tribute to and recognize the cultural influences of the Caribbean region.

“One of the major influences of the Caribbean people is the music,” said Paul Williamson, one of the guest speakers at the event.

Following the guest speakers, special Reggae music was played and dancers performed in traditional Caribbean carnival costumes. Two of the dancers were crew members of Ronald Reagan.

“We tried to bring the Carnival spirit to the ship so everyone could experience it,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Tonia Cyrus-Knox, one of the dancers at the event.

“The Caribbean Carnival is about the celebration of life, independence, freedom and family,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Deborah Dougall, who also danced at the event.

“The costumes that are worn during the carnival are supposed to represent their culture and their family. Family members would all wear similar costumes,” said Dougall. “The carnival usually lasts four to five days and is from morning to night.”

After the dancers finished their performance, a special meal was served featuring jerk pork as well as red beans and rice.

Ronald Reagan is currently undergoing a planned incremental availability in her homeport of San Diego following a three-month surge deployment in support of operations in the Western Pacific.

For related news, visit the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.