Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and other tenant commands hosted a diversity fair for military and government workers, May 19.
Throughout the year, the Navy recognizes nine different minority groups with a dedicated month focused on each specific group. These include Black History Month in February, Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May; Hispanic Heritage Month in September/October; and National American Indian Heritage Month in November. The Kings Bay Diversity Fair combined several of those into one.
“ Diversity is all the different characteristics and attributes of our individual Sailors and government employees who enhance the mission readiness of the Navy,” said Capt. Jim Jones , executive officer, Trident Refit Facility, who opened the event. “The Navy reflects diversity at all levels and employs top-performing people whose diverse backgrounds, experiences and skills help us meet today’s challenges. ”
The event meshed the food and entertainment of several cultures that directly influence the Kings Bay community.
The Navy Band Southeast combo “ Pride ,” performed throughout the afternoon with a mix of pop, rhythm and blues, classic rock, modern rock, dance, Motown, soul, hip-hop, swing, country and disco music.
Other entertainment included authentic Polynesian dances from Hawaii and Tahiti, Cherokees of Georgia dancers from the Cherokees of Georgia Tribal Council,; and the Trinity Dancers from Kingsland, Ga.
In addition to the food and entertainment, different groups from the installation were able to reach out to service members, civilians, and family members to inform them of opportunities for education and different workshops.
The Kings Bay Navy College Office invited representatives from more than 24 universities and colleges that offer off-duty educational opportunities. The schools included King Bay’s eight on-base partners as well as several off-base schools from the local area and many others from around the country that offer a wide range of distance learning opportunities.
Additionally, representatives from the Fleet and Family Support Center offered two sessions of ’10 Steps to a Federal Job,’ and ‘Career One-Stop,’ aimed at providing assistance for job seekers.
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Jacksonville Chapter, educated fair attendees on the role that Buffalo Soldiers played in the history of the United States.
“Today’s Navy has the most highly qualified, highly motivated, and highly trained forces of men and women in our history,” said Jones. “We are stronger today because we are more fully representative of all Americans.”
By Stacey Byington ( navy ) [mappress] Source: navy, May 20, 2011;