Wasp Sailors take advantage of naturalization opportunity.

JO1(SW/AW) Crystal M. Raner

Most Sailors wouldn't think twice when they see American citizenship as a requirement for a special program. Yet some of the Navy's most dedicated Sailors come from countries such as Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Mexico and Poland. Soon, many of them will have the same opportunities that American citizenship affords.

President George W. Bush signed an executive order expediting naturalization of aliens and noncitizen nationals serving on active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. More than 25 Sailors from Wasp (LHD 1) will take advantage of the executive order and earn their American citizenship, which for some is a necessary stepping stone for achieving their career goals.

Wasp's legal office is assisting these Sailors with the required paperwork. "Helping my shipmates is my number one job on board Wasp," said LNL(SW/AW) Gilbert Gifford. "Often, a Sailor's citizenship is what keeps them from certain Navy ratings. Besides supplying the necessary forms and paperwork, I hope my experience in the Navy will help them obtain their dreams."

Shortly after his 18th birthday, SKSN(SW/AW) Luigi Cuzzi of Bogota, Columbia, came to America. He joined the Navy in December 2000 to earn money for his college education. "The first thing I want to do when I become a U.S. citizen is to submit my package for an officer program or become an information technician," Cuzzi said. "Some people take their U.S. citizenship for granted. I am very proud to be in the Navy and representing a powerful country. Participating in ending terrorism makes me feel like I am doing something to protect the American way of life."

ABH3(AW) Konrad Otachel joined the military to honor his grandfather. "My grandfather fought German Nazis during WW II and spent some time in a concentration camp," said Otachel, a native of Poland. "I joined the Navy to help prevent situations like the camps from happening to other people in other countries. The Navy also offers me a good living."

Since the president's executive order, Wasp Sailors have been very supportive of their shipmates applying for U.S. citizenship.

"American citizen or noncitizen, all U.S. Navy Sailors proudly salute the nation's flag," said CTR1 (SW/AW) Teresa Amold. "When we stand in ranks at attention, we don't notice each other's nationality or question each other's s commitment to the Navy or America. We see a fellow shipmate. I hope by earning their citizenship, they will achieve what they set out to accomplish in the Navy and in life."

AK3 William Raphael, a native of Haiti, came to the United States when he was 12 years old. He remembers his country always being in turmoil and is thankful America is a much safer place to live. Raphael joined the Navy to see the world and earn money for college. He quickly caught on to some of America's favorite pastimes. "I enjoy Fourth of July celebrations the most," said Raphael. "The Caribbean offers a simpler, slower paced lifestyle, but it doesn't have college football and the NBA finals."

Whether to choose a different Navy rating or to become a citizen of the country they are honored to protect, Wasp Sailors are taking advantage of the president's executive order. Already seen as shipmates by Wasp crew members, they will soon be American citizens.

For more news from Wasp, go to www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd1.