Navy Office of Community Outreach: African American/Black History Month: Houston Native Reflects on Navy Supply Corps Service

Lt. Nana Bonsu

Photo By James Foehl

Story by Thomas Zimmerman

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -- “When I joined the Navy, I barely saw African American officers. I believe that African Americans are now making positive strides in the officer ranks,” said Lt. Nana Bonsu, a Navy Supply Corps officer assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) in Mechanicsburg. “We’re still growing and breaking down barriers, but I feel lucky to be part of a group that is inspiring the next generation of Sailors.”

African American and Black men and women have a long history of distinguished service, dating back to the colonial days before the establishment of the Navy. Each February, the Navy honors their legacy of service, while recognizing the men and women who will secure the future for the next generation of African American and Black Sailors.

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With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.