¡Punto Final!
Looking Back to See the Future
A Historical Perspective on Hispanic
American Naval Service
As we look forward to the new year, I think it’s important for us
to look back on the rich history that has led us to where we are
today in our U.S. Navy.
Hispanic Americans have always
stood ready to answer the Nation’s call
and in so doing, have contributed to the
success of our Armed Forces in the
wars and conflicts that have defined
our nation. Despite challenges, people of
Hispanic or Latino descent have never
backed away from the call to serve their
country, and some have left a permanent
mark on naval history, while paving the
way for those of us who follow.
Our country has honored the significant
contributions of these brave Hispanic
Americans. There have been nine ships
named after Hispanic Americans and
between the Navy and Marine Corps, 15
Hispanic Americans have paid the ultimate
sacrifice and earned the Medal of Honor.
Their stories amaze and inspire.
Such selfless service of Hispanic
Americans throughout history only
serves to intensify my pride in my cultural
heritage and invigorates me to challenge
our next generation of Hispanic service
members to exceed all expectations.
Today’s Hispanic Americans continue
a tradition of service. More than 17 percent
of the Navy's enlisted force identified
as Hispanic American in 2017. Eight
percent of the officer corps identify as the
same. Hispanic Americans serve in every
rank from seaman to admiral, and hold
nearly every job from naval aviator to
deep-sea diver.
During this time of reflection and
remembrance let’s recognize and respect
the trail blazed by the men and women
who came before us. Their groundwork
By Rear Adm. Christina “Tina” Alvarado, SHCE, U.S. Navy
helped provide the many opportunities
we have today, just as our efforts will
affect future generations.
Being a Navy leader is a huge honor
and I am grateful for the opportunity to
mentor many of our top notch young
sailors. Recently, while performing a
Command site visit, a young Hispanic
Nurse Corps lieutenant pulled me aside
and said, “Admiral, you are such an
inspiration to Latina American women.
You make all my dreams seem possible.”
When the going gets tough, I think of
her bright, enthusiastic face and it makes
me want to work harder. That lieutenant
and others like her are the reason I love
my job. I hope in some small way I am
paving the way and removing obstacles
for those dreams to come true.
Today there are numerous success
stories of Hispanic Americans in the
U.S. Navy and across our Armed Forces.
Hispanic Americans proudly serve our
nation at sea, under the sea, in the air, on
land and in cyber space. According to
our Navy Historian I am the first Navy
nurse of Hispanic origin to achieve the
rank of Rear Admiral. I look forward to
a future of no more “firsts,” when a
Latino or Latina has had the chance to
perform and excel in every position our
Armed Forces has to offer. Our rich past
ensures that our future is very bright.
Rear Adm. Christina Alvarado, SHCE,
USN is Deputy Chief, Bureau of
Medicine & Surgery Reserve
Policy and Integration. A native
of Raleigh, North Carolina, she is
a registered nurse and graduate of
the Alexandria Hospital School of
Nursing, Alexandria, Virginia,
Columbia University School of
Nursing, New York, and holds a
master of health care administration
from the University of North Carolina,
School of Public Health. She has
worked in the clinical areas of
orthopedics, neurosurgery and
intensive care.
48 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 23, No. 6, 2017