USA: COMSUBGRU 2, Connecticut NAACP Observe Black History Month

The commander of Submarine Group 2 hosted representatives from the Norwich and New London branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in honor of Black History Month in Groton, Feb. 14.

Black History Month is observed each year to enrich understanding of the history of Black Americans and U.S. history and how the two are inextricably linked.

 “By bringing together representatives of NAACP and fellow submariners, both active and retired, this meeting was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Black Americans for their contributions to our nation,” said Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2.

Commander, Submarine Group 2 staff members Lt. Bobby Forest, Lt. Mark Dunning, Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarines (SS) Xavier J. Harris and Yeoman 1st Class (SS) Joseph Brickhouse joined the breakfast meeting.

Forest comes from a long line of military service in his family and reflected on his time in service.

 “I grew up in Mississippi where my mother’s uncles went off and died in a war while at the same time being treated as second class citizens,” said Forest. “Now I get to go home as a Bronze Star recipient and it bring tears to my mother’s eyes. We have come a long way, but we should always stop and remind the youth where we came. The merit of a man is not in the color of his skin but what is within.”

Harris, one of three black acoustics intelligence specialists, and the first master chief to serve in this specialist program in the Navy, reflected on the opportunities provided to him.

 “It’s amazing to think about how far we have come and how far we still have to go,” said Harris. “I hold myself responsible to show young men and women that there are minorities in special operations and that the U.S. Armed Forces is the most diverse and successful organization in the world.”

Retired Chief Warrant Officer and President of the New London NAACP Don Wilson emphasized the historical contributions made by Black Americans.

 “Our history is a rich part of our accomplishment over time,” said Wilson.

James Mosley, a Holland club member and author also attended the breakfast meeting along with retired Command Master Chief (SS) Reginald “Chevy” Brown.

Brown recently retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 30 years and emphasized how his service positively shaped his life.

 “Thirty years in the submarine force gave me the opportunity to make a difference in my life,” said Brown, who recently received a Civil Rights Award from Greater Hartford NAACP for his lifetime of service.

Command Master Chief (SS) Wesley Koshoffer, Commander, Submarine Group 2, who worked with Brown during his time in service, remarked on Brown’s steadfast commitment to the Navy.

 “For thirty years Master Chief Brown stood the watch as a submarine Sailor in our Navy. His sterling reputation was built around a solid foundation of technical expertise, superb leadership and no nonsense communication,” said Koshoffer. “He has been viewed as an icon in our force for many years and we are ever mindful of the duty and responsibility we have to carry on in the tradition of enlisted leadership built by inspiring mentors like him.”

Later this month, COMSUBGRU 2 will host the 3rd Annual Black History Gospel Choir Concert at the Seaport Community Church in Groton. The annual concert, scheduled for Feb. 23 will feature Rev. Milton Biggham, a Grammy award winning Gospel artist. Gospel churches from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have been invited to sing at this free concert.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, February 19, 2013; Image: US Navy