Story and photo by

Blair Martin
Contributing Writer

February marks the national annual observance of African-American Heritage Month, a time when a grateful nation celebrates the many notable contributions made by African-American leaders, activists and service members.

Today, roughly 72,000 African-American officers and enlisted Sailors and civilians serve in the U.S. Navy. About 94,000 African-Americans serve in Navy's total force. The African-American Sailors of USS Port Royal (CG-73) are among the many dedicated Sailors committed not only to their work but also to serving their country.

After enlisting in the Navy on November 2008 at 32 years old, Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Namon Richardson said becoming a Sailor "later in life" has proven to be a very beneficial move for both his family and potential naval career.

"To be honest, 10 years ago, I never thought I would have joined any type of military service, but the Navy has been very good to me and my family," said the South Carolina native. "I was looking down the road and knew I wanted job security and benefits in order to provide for my family. The Navy gave us all of that."

Richardson said as an "older" junior enlisted Sailor he appreciates the opportunities and diversity the Navy offers to Sailors.

"The Navy's diversity is one thing I really appreciated when I joined," he said. "I've always had an open mind to other races and cultures, but in my hometown there have been times where I have experienced racial tension. For example, they still fly a Confederate flag over the state capital. But you keep a positive attitude and move past it. You don't let the small stuff bother you."

"I do more mentoring than the average young Sailor does," he said. "A lot of people in my pay grade are 19 or 20 years old, so I spend a lot of time sharing my personal experiences with them and keeping them motivated. I honestly believe your Navy experience is what you make out of it. You should always keep a positive attitude know certain things are beyond your control."

Operation Specialist 1st Class (SW) Dakeish Oribello said being both a minority and a female in a male-dominated career field has posed unique challenges during her 16-year naval career.

"As an African-American female, I recognize that my struggle has been a little harder because I am a minority in a male-dominated career field," said the New Jersey native. "Since I was an E-4, I've always been in a leadership position and I've had to work twice as hard as my male counterparts. It makes me think of all of the African-American women that have gone before me and keeps me grounded. I know that although my struggle is hard, it is nothing compared to those in the past," she added.

Gunner's Mate Chief (SW) Jaye Bell said his grandfather, a Navy veteran, gave him a unique perspective of being an African-American during WWII.

"My grandfather used to always say that the biggest conflict he had was fighting for a country that he felt did not appreciate him," recalled the Georgia native. "He struggled with doing even the mundane things like colors because he wanted to feel that sense of patriotism like the guy next to him. But after years of mistreatment, there was that voice of doubt."

As a Navy chief, Bell said he is grateful for the sacrifices made by his predecessors, such as his grandfather and other Sailors who served before him.

"The Navy has given me the greatest opportunity ever, period," he said. "I don't have the doubt my grandfather had when he served. I can appreciate every aspect of my career and now feel a sense of pride helping my Sailors get their sea legs, mature and advance in rank. Especially after the Obama election, we know there is no limit to what African-Americans or any race can achieve," he added.

According to Command Master Chief (SW) Mack Ellis, the beauty of the U.S. Navy is that everyone is given the same opportunities despite their race.

"In the Navy, we do not look at someone's race; we look at the person," he said. "We are looking at everyone for what they stand for, their worth and merit. As a command master chief, I have had to work with all kinds of commanding officers and have managed to have great working relationships with every one of them. We never talked about our cultural differences; we talk about one another and our families," he added.

Namon said, ultimately, America is comprised of all races whose historical contributions have sustained it as one of the greatest countries in the world.

"At the end of the day, we [as Sailors] may be different colors, but we all bleed red," he said. "We are on the same team and fighting for one cause. We are the red, white and blue."