(David Mansdoerfer) – I must say that I am perplexed by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus’s decision to name the newest cargo ship in the U.S. Navy the USS Cesar Chavez. While it is understandable that this decision was made to honor the many accomplishments of the naval Hispanic community, naming a ship after a man who profoundly disliked his time in the U.S. Navy dishonors the service and those who are due to serve aboard this vessel.
Ceasar Chavez, who spent two years in the U.S. Navy, is on record saying that being in the Navy was the, “two worst years of my life.” Furthermore, as a union leader, Chavez held fast to his stance that violence was never the answer. Is this really the message the United States military wants to portray to its servicemen?
Congressman Duncan Hunter has come out strongly against this decision noting in a recent press release, “Naming a ship after Cesar Chavez goes right along with other recent decisions by the Navy that appear to be more about making a political statement than upholding the Navy’s history and tradition.”
Beyond this, Congressman Hunter went on to recommend Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta, a Navy Cross award recipient due to his heroic actions inside Iraq, as someone who is worthy to have a ship named after.
After learning that the decision had been made to name the USS Cesar Chavez, Congressman Hunter introduced a piece of legislation that will direct the Secretary of the Navy to name the next ship after Sergeant Peralta.
Sergeant Peralta, who sacrificed himself by absorbing the blast of a grenade in order to save the lives of fellow Marines, serves as a perfect example of someone who embodies the Marine code of honor, courage and commitment.
Clearly, while the Secretary of the Navy is playing political games, Congressman Hunter is fighting for the integrity and honor of those who serve in the armed forces.
To this, Congressman Hunter should be commended.
(Mr. Mansdoerfer is the Director of Federal Affairs for Citizen Outreach)
