The the crew of the Ronald Reagan welcomed new Americans aboard their aircraft carrier this month, when eight junior sailors took their oaths of allegiance and became citizens of the United States.
Rear Adm. Gregory “Fence” Fenton, the head of Naval Forces Japan, presided over the Dec. 6 naturalization ceremony at the Reagan’s homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, according to a Navy release.
Five Reagan aviation boatswain’s mate airmen at the ceremony originally hailed from the Philippines. These new Americans are Nathalie Apostol, Marvin Cortez, Randell Delfin, Ronniel Esperanza and Wency Garcia.
“I have been waiting for a year-and-a-half now and it feels great,” Cortez said in a Navy release. “I am overwhelmed. I also feel complete.”
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Other Reagan members who became U.S. citizens were aviation boatswain’s mate airmen Steve Bristovitski, originally from Israel and Emmanuella Damte, formerly of Ghana; and Culinary Specialist Seaman Manuel Santiago, who came from Guatemala
Eleven others from the Army, Navy and Air Force, plus 25 family members, also took the oath that day..
“It is fantastic to have these new citizens,” said Capt. Patrick Hannifin, the Reagan’s skipper. “I wish the best to all of our new citizens, both service members and spouses.”
Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
