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Our Navy is as diverse as our world in most ways, made up of Sailors from a range of cultures, backgrounds and walks of life. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, where we highlight a culture that is an integral part of world history and celebrate a people that helped shape our Navy into the exceptional warfighting force it is today.
The story of many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Navy is one with no true start or end, but a boundless retelling of everything from quiet and simple years of service to trailblazing men and women who made all the difference in the Navy we serve today.
Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo Trinidad, a Sailor from the Philippines, rescued two Sailors after a boiler exploded aboard USS San Diego (ACR 6) in 1915. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for the extreme act of bravery.
To this day, history continues to be made. Command Master Chief Josephine Tauoa became the first female Samoan command master chief in February 2020 aboard USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 97), which happens to be the namesake of Asian American and Pacific Islander, Rear Admiral Gordon Pai’ea Chung-Hoon.
While it’s important to highlight the stories like that of Master Chief Tauoa or Fireman 2nd Class Trinidad for their service, it’s equally as important to hear the stories of Sailors who serve their country and uphold the Navy's core values even if it’s just by simply showing up to work everyday with a smile on their face.
Culinary Specialist Seaman Katrina Insigne was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, before moving to California at age 12. She shares some of her favorite memories growing up in the Philippines and details the transition of moving to California and eventually joining the Navy.
“Growing up in the Philippines was fun because everybody knew everybody in the neighborhood,” says Insigne. “So after school I could just call my friends at any time and we’d all hang out together.”
Insigne had a very communal upbringing while living in the Philippines. She describes most days being simplistic, going to school and hanging out with friends and family afterwards. For Insigne, family was always around. She distinctly remembers coming home from school to a meal made by her grandmother before going out with friends later that day.
Then Insigne moved to California at age 12, which she described as a huge culture shock until meeting some Filipino friends at school. Years went by as she established herself in America, not forgetting the culture from which she came but still embracing a new lifestyle in California. Then the time came as an adult to welcome a career, and it was no easy choice for her.
“Joining the Navy was the hardest decision I ever made, but it was my very own decision. My parents wanted me to go to nursing school, but I didn’t actually want to be a nurse. That was their dream for me. I went to the recruiter’s office without even asking my parents,” said Insigne. “I joined the Navy to start making my own decisions, to be independent and of course to make my own money. It can always change but right now, I plan to stay in for 20 years.”
Insigne cites food as one of her favorite things about Filipino culture, and as a culinary specialist in the Navy, she frequently invites her fellow Sailors to enjoy food she’s grown up with. During long underways and weeks out to sea, she enjoys making Filipino dishes for Sailors to try.
“When we’ve gone on underways, I started baking Filipino bread and everyone liked it. They were like, ‘what’s this?’ and I tell them it’s a coconut bread, like a Filipino-type dessert.”
Insigne’s story is one of thousands, but will always be completely unique to her. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month encompasses a history that is so much more than any one person or place. Take the time to hear the stories of so many Sailors who all have similar stories, but not one identical to another.
(U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jaimar Carson Bondurant)
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2022 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 419658 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 305 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, by PO2 Jaimar Carson Bondurant, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
