The Association of Naval Services Officers
Dedicated to Expanding Hispanic Presence
in Leadership of Sea Services
Troubled by this situation, then Secretary of the
Navy, the Honorable Edward Hidalgo, established
the Association of Naval Services Officers,
Incorporated (ANSO) composed of Hispanic
officers that could reach out to attract qualified
Hispanics to apply to the sea services' officer
programs. Over the past 37 years, ANSO has
grown to include not only Hispanic officers, but
also Hispanic enlisted members of all three sea
services – the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
By Retired Rear Admiral Will Rodriguez, United States Navy
Early in 1980, the United States
Navy became concerned about the
lack of Hispanic representation
within their senior officer corps as
well as the lack of Hispanic applicants
for officer programs.
Guard - as well as the Merchant Marines. ANSO has become the premier
Hispanic affinity group for the Sea Services.
It is estimated that approximately 25 years from now, 30 percent of the U.S. population will be of
Hispanic descent. In order to reflect the face of our nation, ANSO continues to support the sea
services, with the mission of growing the number of Hispanics in the sea services, especially in the
senior officer and enlisted ranks. Further, ANSO has grown to 15 chapters throughout the country,
with the main purpose of supporting its members and this growth.
Working towards realizing Secretary Hidalgo’s vision, ANSO provides mentoring and career
development opportunities to foster professional growth—and engage with the next generation of sea
San Diego ANSO Members with
RDML Will Rodriguez, USN,
Ret. attend the commissioning
of the USS RAFAEL PERALTA
(DDG 115), July 2017.
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