The White Falcon - 16.10.1992, Blaðsíða 2

U.S. Navy celebrates 217 birthday
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the fitting out of ships for the
Continental Navy. This event marked the birth of our modem Navy. Over the last 217 years,
our Navy has grown into the most advanced and technologically superior Navy in the world.
Today’s Navy has outstanding equipment and the world’s most advanced weapons systems, but
without the highly dedicated personnel who operate and maintain this equipment, we would not
be nearly as capable as we are. We are blessed with the finest sailors we have ever had.
As we enter our 218th year, we have good cause for optimism. Yes, we are going to
experience continued budget cuts and reductions in size but, the United States, as a maritime
nation, will continue to depend upon the world’s oceans for security, economic strength, and
access to trading partners and allies. For the future, as over the last 200 years, the Navy will be
required to preserve freedom of the seas to protect our country’s shores and to serve as an
instrument of U.S. foreign policy. Our missions are enduring. As long as we have a mission,
we will continue to need dedicated and professional people to fulfill that mission.
My thanks go out to each sailor and every Navy family in Keflavfk, for the sacrifices you are
making in support of our nation and our mission here in Iceland. To each of you, on this special
occasion, I send my best and warmest wishes.
Michael D. Haskins
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
Hispanic Heritage Month highlight
By LT Sean O’Donnell
It is a known fact that minority groups com-
prise an ever increasing percentage of our
armed forces. Among this growing minority
are Hispanics.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class
Rafael Torres is a member of this minority
group and is currently deployed here with
Patrol Squadron FIVE and thinks there are
better opportunities in the Navy than in the
civilian sector. ADI Torres, who is an integral
part of Patron FIVE’S maintenance effort,
works in Quality Assurance where he inspects
others’ work, advises subordinates on proper
maintenance procedures and researches pro-
grams that allow the “Mad Foxes” to operate
safely and efficiently. Any maintainer will tell
you that only the “best of the best” work in Q A.
ADI Torres epitomizes that philosophy.
A Puerto Rican native, ADI Torres spent
his youth in the Bronx, New York, although
the Navy has been his home for the past 13
years.
“Originally, the Navy was a chance for
me to get out of New Y ork and to seek my own
independence. It has had its share of ups and
downs and a fair amount of hurdles, like any
other job. But, it’s been a good deal for me by
providing benefits, advancement and respon-
sibility I’m not sure I would have found out-
side (the Navy).”
Torres also stated that he enjoys the di-
versity of the Navy because “it opens your
eyes to opinions and perspectives that you
normally wouldn’t thinks to consider.” He
added, “different people have different priori-
ties. Their diverse backgrounds influence
their ideas of what is important and what is
not. This provides for a good mesh of leader-
ship styles and idea sharing.” In addition,
Torres admits that “the Navy is like New York
- a cultural melting pot. It’s fun to socialize
with people who are different. What would
the world be like if we were all the same?”
What do you think?
If you would like to share your concerns or
ideas with the community, send a letter to the
editor. The White Falcon will consider all
signed letters or commentaries for publication.
Send material to: Editor, The White Falcon,
ATTN: PAO Box 1 LOCAL FORCES.
Commander,
Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D.
Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy PAO
Fridthor Kr. Eydal
Chief Petty Officer
in Charge
JOC Terry J. Bamthouse
Draftsman
DM2 Danielle J. Kim
Editor
J02 Colleen
"Ghostwriter” Casper
Journalists
J02 Susan J. Hallden
J03 (SW) Andreas
Walter
4
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aging Command Detach-
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