ALCOAST 178/23 - MAY 2023 CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE: ADVANCING LEADERS THROUGH OPPORTUNITY

R 081328Z MAY 23 MID120000057423U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 178/23
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC
ISLANDER HERITAGE: ADVANCING LEADERS THROUGH OPPORTUNITY
1. The Coast Guard joins the Nation in celebrating Asian American,
Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Each
May, we recognize the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions
of AANHPI communities represented by more than 50 ethnic groups.
This year's theme is "Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity."
2. For much of the Coast Guard's history, opportunities for AANHPI
to serve have been challenged by inequity. Precious few stories can
be gleaned from records since the first Hawaiian Islanders became
seamen on Revenue Cutter C.W. LAWRENCE in 1849. During the first
half of the 20th Century, beginning with the annexation of the
Philippines in 1898 and culminating with the desegregation of the
Armed Forces in 1948, thousands of AANHPI joined the Coast Guard and
were mainly limited to ratings of Steward, Cook, and Boy (or steward
assistant). World War II created barriers to service for many AANHPI
members. Executive Order 9066 removed Japanese-Americans from
military service and placed them into internment camps. Amid these
internments and discrimination, other AANHPI communities continued
to serve with distinction. LTJG Juan Lacson, Commanding Officer of
Philippine Navy patrol boat BATAAN, entered the Coast Guard Reserve
in 1942 and became one of the first AANHPI to receive authority and
pay equivalent to regular officers following the transfer of BATAAN,
redesignated as CG-68009, into the Coast Guard. Today, Coast Guard
AANHPI members build on this heritage of service and continue to
create opportunities for others to lead and serve.
3. Advancing leaders in the Coast Guard's total workforce by
prioritizing training, professional development, mentoring,
empowerment, and personal agency is essential to sharpening our
competitive edge and advancing our mission excellence. I urge you to
plan and participate in special observance events to celebrate
AANHPI heritage and learn about the vibrant contributions AANHPI
members continue to make in service to our Nation. You can learn
more by visiting the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC)
and the following pages:
(Copy and Paste URLs Below into Browser)

https://fapac.org/

https://www.defenseculture.mil/Human-Relations-Toolkit/Special-
Observances/#asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month

https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/
Minorities/Asian-Pacific-Americans/

4. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Edward Stoker, 202-372-4519,
Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil.
5. ADM Steven Poulin, Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.