CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// 
ROUTINE 
R 141305Z SEP 23 MID120000439271U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
BT 
UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 070/23 
 
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/SEP// 
 
SUBJ/ Department of the Navy 2023 National Hispanic Heritage Month// 
 
RMKS/1.  From 15 September to 15 October 2023, we recognize and honor the 
many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Department of the Navy 
(DON) and to our Nation.  This year's theme, "Todos Somos Uno: We are All 
One," highlights the significance of the Hispanic community in our Nation's 
economic, political, and social growth. 
At the height of the Civil War in 1862, second generation Spanish American 
David Glasgow Farragut assumed command of the Western Gulf Blockading 
Squadron.  The Squadron made history when it achieved superiority over the 
Confederacy in New Orleans and again, in 1864 during the Battle of Mobile 
Bay, when Farragut uttered his famous words, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed 
ahead!"  As a result of his contributions to the U.S. Navy, President Abraham 
Lincoln appointed Farragut as the Navy's first Vice Admiral in 1864. 
Farragut would later become the first U.S. Navy Officer to hold the rank of 
Admiral. 
In 1979, Edward Hidalgo was confirmed as the first Hispanic American 
Secretary of the Navy.  Secretary Hidalgo served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. 
Naval Reserve during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for 
his service.  After retiring from active duty in 1946, Hidalgo established 
himself as both a public and private attorney and also served several periods 
as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, and then as Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy (Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Logistics) before 
President Carter appointed him as Secretary of the Navy.  I am humbled to 
follow Hidalgo's example of service as the second Hispanic Secretary of the 
Navy in our Nation's history. 
We continue to shine the light on significant heroes of Hispanic descent by 
recognizing figures who positively influenced our society, our Navy and our 
Marine Corps.  This past May, I renamed the U.S. Naval Academy's 
superintendent's quarters after Admiral Farragut.  In July, I announced the 
future expeditionary sea base ship, ESB 8, will be named for Medal of Honor 
recipient and Korean War veteran Hector A. Cafferata Jr. 
More than 17% of the DON's total force shares Hispanic descent.  The 
diversity and inclusion of all people is our foundational strength, and the 
DON remains committed to creating an environment where everyone is welcome. 
I deeply encourage you to learn more about the contributions of Hispanic 
Americans to the DON at https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-
topic/diversity/hispanic-americans-in-the-navy.html. 
 
BT 
#0001 
NNNN 
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//