L’Observateur / March 31, 1999

SAN DIEGO – Lutcher’s Alexis Nicholas contributes to the Navy’s diversity, an important characteristic for any organization.

Today’s Navy is such an organization, and people like Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas help to enhance and further this characteristic.

At the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, where Nicholas is stationed with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 41, Sailors of nearly every race and ethnicity can be found working together. The Navy creates a work environmentfull of cultural experiences and is a leader in racial integration.

Flying or maintaining 22,000-pound SH-60B Seahawk helicopters, squadron Sailors support the command’s mission. Together they ensure the fleet hasoperating aircraft to detect, classify and interdict ships and submarines. TheSeahawks can also be used to support search and rescue operations, evacuations and vertical replenishments, and they can be used for communications relay.

The Navy celebrated the month of February as African American/Black History Month. This celebration is one of many the Navy has throughout the year. Theheritage and history of women, Asian-Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and Native Americans are also celebrated during various months during the year. Each ofthese celebrations allows the Navy to recognize its many sources of strength.

“My heritage is important to me because of the trials and tribulations my ancestors carried with them in order to make equality for one race, the human race,” said Nicholas, the 28-year-old son of Gertrude Taylor of Lutcher.

As with most Sailors, Nicholas wanted to join a diverse organization that afforded him the ability to reach personal goals.

“I chose the Navy for the adventure. I wanted to be someone who can one day tellmy kids and grandkids that I supported and defended the country in which I live and love,” said Nicholas, a seven-year Navy veteran.

Nicholas, an administrative assistant, handles administrative issues for the squadron. He is a skilled professional who has accomplished much since joiningthe Navy.

Whether an individual is Hispanic or black, white or Arab, male or female, the Navy’s equal opportunity policy is the same. Equal opportunity employment isguaranteed regardless of race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

A 1989 graduate of Lutcher High School, Nicholas believes there is a reason for his success in the Navy. Like other African Americans, Nicholas believes incertain tenets to carry him through life.

“Someone once told me the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. I havelearned to listen, understand what someone is saying and react accordingly. Myadvice to anyone is to be at peace with yourself and the chips will fall happily,” Nicholas said.Back to Top

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