Native Americans in the U.S. Navy

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate number of active duty, reserve, and civilian members of the Navy who declare themselves Native American or Alaska native?

15,000 (correct)

5,000

10,000

20,000

Which of the following is a notable Native American in the U.S. Navy?

Lieutenant Commander Maria Emiliana Aquino (correct)

Captain Sarah Jennings

Admiral Nathaniel Banks

Major General John Smith

Which Navy ship is named in honor of a Native American?

USNS Independence

USS Maine

USS Constitution

USNS Sacagawea (correct)

What commitment does the Navy's leadership maintain in the twenty-first century?

Diversity Signup and view all the answers

How many ships named in honor of Native Americans are listed in the provided information?

7 Signup and view all the answers

How many Native Americans served with Union forces during the Civil War?

20,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which act granted citizenship to Native Americans in 1924?

Snyder Act Signup and view all the answers

Who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II?

Commander Ernest E. Evans Signup and view all the answers

What significant initiative did Admiral Elmo Zumwalt implement in the 1970s?

Z-Gram #66 (Equal Opportunity) Signup and view all the answers

How many Native Americans fought during World War II?

44,000 Signup and view all the answers

As of March 2012, how many active duty Native American military members were there?

22,248 Signup and view all the answers

What role did Chief James E. Williams play during the Vietnam War?

Boatswain’s Mate Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space?

Commander John B. Herrington Signup and view all the answers

Which ship is identified as DDG-95?

Williams (DDG-95) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a type of Pocahontas listed?

Pocahontas (AT-70) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ships is designated as an Auxiliary Oil Replenishment ship?

Wabash (AOR-5) Signup and view all the answers

Which publication discusses Native American participation in the military from 1996?

20th Century Warriors: Native American Participation in the United States Military Signup and view all the answers

Who is acknowledged for playing their ceremonial drum during heritage celebrations?

Carl L. Dassance Signup and view all the answers

Which ship is the same class as USS Chickasaw III?

USS Choctaw V Signup and view all the answers

What does DEOMI stand for?

Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Signup and view all the answers

Which ship is classified as a Tugboat?

Accohanoc (YTB-545) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy

Native Americans have served in the U.S. Navy and military since 1776, significantly contributing to the nation's defense.
During the Civil War, 20,000 Native Americans served with Union forces.
In World War I, though ineligible for the draft, 15,000 Native Americans volunteered.
Native Americans weren't granted citizenship and voting rights until 1919 (Snyder Act).
During World War II, 44,000 Native Americans fought, including 1,910 in the Navy and 874 in the Marines. Rear Admiral Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark commanded aircraft carriers and later a task force; Commander Ernest E. Evans received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the Battle off Samar, Philippines.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 fought in the Korean War and over 42,000 in the Vietnam War. Notable accomplishments include James E. Williams, a South Carolina Cherokee Boatswain's Mate 1st Class, who received the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam.
In the early 1970s, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt's Z-Gram #66 (Equal Opportunity) aimed to reduce racism and sexism in the Navy and Marines, positively impacting Native American opportunities. Examples include Rear Admiral Michael L. Holmes and Commander John B. Herrington. Holmes served 32 years as a naval aviator; Herrington flew for the Navy and later NASA, becoming the first enrolled member of an Native American tribe to fly in space.
In 2012, the active duty Native American military members in the Navy numbered over 13,500, representing over 50% of the total Native American military members. More than 160,000 declared themselves Native American or Alaska Native veterans.
The Navy's leadership remained committed to diversity in the 21st century.

Notable Native Americans in the U.S. Navy

Lieutenant Commander Maria Emiliana Aquino
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Solomon Atkinson
Admiral Joseph James Clark
Commander Ernest Edwin Evans
Force Master Chief Petty Officer James D. Fairbanks
Rear Admiral Calvin M. Foster
and many others

U.S. Navy Ships Named in Honor of Native Americans

USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR-313)
USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2)
USNS Catawba (T-ATF-168)
USNS Navajo (T-ATF-169)
and many others

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Description

Explore the significant contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy and military from 1776 to the Vietnam War. Learn about their participation in major conflicts and the evolution of their rights, including citizenship. This quiz highlights notable figures and events that showcase their patriotism and valor.