Chung-Hoon Celebrates MLK Day

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Logan C. Kellums, Carrier Strike Group 3 Public Affairs

24 January 2019


GULF OF ADEN– Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21.

The federal holiday is celebrated every third Monday of January to commemorate King’s birthday on Jan. 15.

"I'm incredibly thankful that congress passed the law in 1986 for us to celebrate what our country is built upon," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brent Jackson, commanding officer, Chung-Hoon. "Part of that is having humility and demonstrating human decency regardless of who you are or where you come from. Thank you, Dr. King, for allowing us to celebrate this idea at a time when it's most important." Even with a busy schedule while out at sea, the Chung-Hoon was able to make time to commemorate King with a reading of his “I Have a Dream” speech and a ceremonial cake-cutting.

“It is important to celebrate these observances at sea because it is easy to get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle of work,” said U.S. Navy Quartermaster 1st Class Dominic Cummings, head of the Chung-Hoon’s Multi-Cultural Committee. “It is our duty to take a moment and reflect on the many accomplishments that people have made throughout history and further the Navy's equal opportunity mission.”

Chung-Hoon is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.