DoN Holds 'Tribute to Diversity' Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexandra Snyder, Defense Media Activity - Pentagon Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy (DoN) held a 'Tribute to Diversity' in the Pentagon's Center Courtyard in Arlington, Va. Oct. 12.

Following the ceremony, the event's keynote speaker, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, along with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, DoN Assistant for Administration Carla Lucchino and Director, Marine Corps Staff Lt. Gen. Willie Williams dedicated the Pentagon's newest memorial - a hallway tribute to diversity. The 45-photo commemoration features pictures of diverse Navy and Marine Corps leaders and service members.

Mabus said diversity has always been key to the Navy's success.

"Diversity is important because it makes us a far better military force," he said. "When we have a diversity of ideas, of experiences, of expertise and of background...we can fulfill the dizzying variety of missions that the Navy and Marine Corps are given by our country."

The importance of diversity means that improving it within the fleet must remain a priority, continued Mabus.

"The Navy and the Marine Corps doesn't have just one platform that we go to for every mission," he said. "We count on a wide variety of assets, to execute a myriad of missions. The very same is true for our people. We have to continue to increase diversity in our ranks and in the career opportunities, and allow for the training, the job satisfaction and the retention of the talent that we have."

DoN continues to demonstrate its commitment to equal opportunity and diversity through training extended to its Sailors and civilians. The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), opened in 1971, was established to address the education and training of military and civilian personnel on these topics.