E. PETERSEN JR.

(1932-2015)

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr. was the first African American Marine Corps aviator and the first African American Marine Corps officer promoted to brigadier general. When he retired in1988 a fter 38 years of service, by date of designation, he was the senior-ranking aviator in the Marine Corps and the United States Nav y

On May 14, 2022, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) was commissioned in Charleston, South Carolina and is presently home-ported on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

DEFENSE SUPERIOR SERVICE MEDAL

LEGION OF MERIT w/COMBAT "V”

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

PURPLE HEART

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

AIR MEDAL

NAVY COMMENDATION

MEDAL w/COMBAT "V"

AIR FORCE

COMMENDATION

MEDAL

Black History Month is observed during the month of February to honor the contributions of African American service members and civilians who continue to serve our nation.

This year’s theme, “Inspiring Change,” commemorates the contributions of African Americans in challenging racial inequities and promoting opportunities for equal advancement within the African American community.

Today, over 117,000 African American active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel serve in the Department of the Navy’s total force. Their diverse perspectives and life experiences strengthens us as a Navy and allows us to bear the brightest ideas and innovative solutions to the nation’s challenges.

Black History Month 2023 | Inspiring Change

Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett

As commanding officer of VP-47 stationed at Kaneohe, Hawaii, he led the squadron on a simultaneous deployment to Japan and Iraq, executing more than 250 missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tour, the squadron completed more than 950 sorties comprising 5,000 hours.

On 17 June 2022, Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett assumed command as Commander, Navy Region Hawaii. CNRH oversees the U.S. Navy’s largest and most strategic island base in the Pacific. The Navy region extends over 23,000 acres of land and water on Oahu and Kauai and serves as the host for the headquarters of seven major Navy commands, including the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/Search/Article/2236508/rear-admiral-stephen-barnett/ www.dvidshub.net/news/423312/navy-region-hawaii-holds-change-command-ceremony