As the century progressed, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans were serving more than just basic steward and laundry functions on board ships. For example, USS Rizal (DM-14) was the first U.S. Navy ship that had a predominately Filipino crew. Radioman First Class Henry J. Poy, USN, also acted as a translator while in Asian waters. Additionally, the first Chinese-American graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1934, Midshipman Gordon Pai'ea Chung-Hoon. He would later command USS Sigsbee (DD-502) during World War II and also become the first Chinese-American flag officer. USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93) is named in his honor.

Additional information - Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in the U.S. Navy, World War II - 1940s

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Photo #: NH 106864 Amenico Beang Beang was a Filipino sailor in the 1920s on board USS Rizal (DM-14), which had a predominately Filipino crew. Donation of Mr. William L. Thomas, 1976. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 45KB; 545 x 925
Photo #: NH 91394 RM1 Henry J. Poy, USN Radioman First Class Poy's experience was vital as he used his skill as a translator while serving on board ships in Asian waters. Photograph taken circa 1924-25. Donation of Henry J. Poy. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 53KB; 600 x 925
Photo #: NH 106865 Midshipman Gordon Pai'ea Chung-Hoon, USN Halftone image taken from the Naval Academy graduation publication, "The Lucky Bag". Chung-Hoon was the first Chinese-American graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1934. During World War II, he commanded USS Sigsbee (DD-502). Chung-Hoon was also the first Chinese-American flag officer. He retired in 1959. USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93) is named in his honor. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 52KB; 685 x 925
Photo #: NH 106867-KN (Color) Chief Steward King Fong Sung, USN Chief Sung, a Chinese-American, enlisted in the 1930s and served during World War II. Donation of Mr. Jim Huen, 2009. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 136KB; 710 x 925
Photo #: NH 106868-KN (Color) Chief Steward Yung Chin Chang, USN Chief Chang, a Chinese-American, enlisted in the 1930s and served during World War II. His hometown was Hangkow, and he served on board USS Luzon (ARG-2). He also served on Guam and Oahu, Hawaii. During World War II, he was also a Prisoner of War at Cavite, Philippines. Donation of Mr. Jim Huen, 2009. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Online Image: 111KB; 705 x 925

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To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.