“Juneteenth is a national Independence Day for many of us, and it represents over the ending of the institution of slavery, the beginning of the fulfillment of America's promises,” said Adrianne Somerville, acting deputy director, NAVAIR Command Operations Group. “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for us all, to include African-Americans.”

Somerville spoke as part of the Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) national Juneteenth event June 25.

“This year's theme, ‘Opportunity Freedom Celebrated,’ is based on a quotation from Mr. Lonnie Burch III, an educator, historian, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institute and the first African-American to hold this lead position,” Somerville explained. “Mr. Burch said Juneteenth is an opportunity to look both backwards and also to look ahead. To reflect and also potentially forecast the notion of freedom and fragility, to always remember our freedom and our liberties are to be protected and also celebrated. That's exactly why we're here today.”

While Juneteenth marked the end of slavery in the United States more than 150 years ago, Somerville said work still remains.

“It’s the ongoing work, the true work, the rich work, the NAVAIR work that we must continue to do with the spirit of equality and racial justice and as an American society that states that we can always do more,” she said.

According to Somerville, diversity is important because diversity breeds diversity of thought, a reason why one of NAVAIR’s core values is “Win with Inclusion and Respect.”

“Our people are the driving force behind the scenes at NAVAIR, working together in teams as individuals and as a collective for a common mission to deliver the integrated warfighting capability the fleet needs at a cost we can afford,” she said. “Unlike our competitors, the diversity of our workforce is our superpower, and it will carry us through.”

A letter of appreciation presented to Somerville by Sean Brennan, executive director, NAWCAD Lakehurst, along with members of NAVAIR’s African-American Pipelines Action Team (APAT) highlighted the importance of NAVAIR’s diversity further, stating in part, “We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. The efforts of our Diversity Action Teams, including APAT, are integral to building high-performing and creative teams that drive our success. By embracing diversity, we ensure that innovation and creativity thrive, ultimately benefiting our mission and the warfighters we support.”

Somerville explained the common motivator of NAVAIR’s diverse workforce is the notion of freedom.

“It [freedom] enables our success for those on the frontlines and those protecting our freedoms here at home,” she said. “Freedom isn't free. Our goal is that every mission is successfully completed, leaning on our capability and our diversity of thought, so that those on the front line — our loved ones — are able to complete the mission and return home.”

The event, hosted by the NAWCAD Equal Employment Office and APAT, also included an in-person luncheon at Lakehurst. Find more information regarding NAVAIR’s other diversity action teams online.

A recording of the event is available for viewing.