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Ya’at’teeh, shi ei Denise yinshye, Kinyaa ą’anii nishłi, Ta
neeszahnii bashishchiin, Ą’shįįnii dashicheii, Mą’ii deshgizzhnii
dashinałi.
This is how Operations Specialist 1st Class
Denise Alamo introduces herself to other people from the Dine or
Navajo tribe. It translates to: Hello, my name is Denise. I’m
Towering House Clan, born for Tangle Clan, my maternal clan is Salt
People and my paternal clan is Coyote Cross Path.
“In
Dine
culture, you must know what your four clans are because they make
who you are,” said Alamo. “For instance, when I introduce myself to
another Dine, I would say my clans in the following order: my
mother’s clan, my father’s clan, my maternal grandfather’s clan, and
paternal grandfather’s clan.
A proud Navajo woman, Alamo is
also a proud U.S. Navy Sailor, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 9 of
Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11. She’s currently serving aboard the
aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on a six-month deployment to
the Western Pacific.
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November 22, 2017 - Operations Specialist 1st Class Denise Alamo, a
Navajo native American, on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS
Nimitz (CVN 68) at sunset. Nimitz and its strike group are on a
regularly scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of
responsibility in support of maritime security operations and
theater security cooperation efforts. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has
patrolled the Indo-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years
promoting regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcus L. Stanley)
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Since 1994, the U.S. Navy has reserved November to
celebrate and honor Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
CSG11 joins in the celebration by recognizing Alamo, one of
its own.
Throughout her 18-year career, Alamo said
she has crossed paths with several other Sailors who belong
to her tribe. Military service is fast becoming a tradition
in her family – her brother is currently serving in the U.S.
Marine Corps and her “Shi chei”, or grandfather, was a U.S. Navy Seabee.
Alamo said her decision to join the Navy was motivated by
her “Shi chei.”
“Shi chei always talked about
traveling and seeing different parts of the world,” said
Alamo. “I also wanted to travel. Being a Native American
Sailor holds much integrity and pride back on the
reservation.”
Alamo grew up on the Dine Nation
Reservation, an area near the Four Corners of the United
States called "To'Likani" or Sweetwater, Arizona. Her family
owned two houses; one was near the main road in Sweetwater
and the other more remotely snuggled in the Carrizo
Mountains. During the school year, they lived in the house
on the main road. Come summer, the family moved to the
isolation of the mountain house where they herded livestock
and raised crops.
“Our nearest neighbor was about a
mile away,” Alamo said. “That house had no electricity or
running water. We had a farm that we maintained during
harvest season and we planted fruits and vegetables such as
corn, apricots, grapes, strawberries, watermelon, cabbage,
tomatoes, and avocados.”
Alamo’s Navy life and her
life on the reservation share some similarities. While
deployed, she trades her life on land for a life in a more
secluded environment. Like up in the mountains, the ocean
distances her from grocery stores, movie theaters, and other
home comforts. The many customs and traditions that are so
heavily ingrained in the Navy also mirror Alamo’s way of
life on the reservation.
“My grandparents enjoyed
attending ceremonies and traditional dances so during my
childhood I’d attend many dances such as: Fire, Rain, Squaw,
Yei Bei Chei, Bear, Gourd, Round and pow wows,” Alamo said.
“Some ceremonies we attend are: Blessing Way, Protection
Way, cleanings and purification (sweat lodge), Journey to
the Spirit World, Kinaałda (puberty) and other Peyote
meetings.”
Just as her grandparents ensured the
traditions of her people were passed on to her, Alamo
proudly passes on Dine tradition to her children.
“I’m proud to be Dine and that I know my language, culture,
and tradition,” said Alamo. “Dine people are also called the
‘Holy People’. We have many taboos that we are told to abide
by, however that tradition is dying with the younger
generation. I tend to pass on the taboos of our tribe on to
my kids along with the folktales and many stories of Coyote
the trickster. I will also make sure that they know their
clans.”
Alamo draws inspiration and strength from her
people, and uses them to inspire her throughout her career
in the Navy, she said.
“In my tribe we have a
saying, ‘Hozhooogo naashaa’, which translates to ‘in beauty
I walk,’” Alamo said. “To me this means, no matter what
obstacles are thrown at you, always strive to better
yourself professionally and personally.”
Native
Americans have been part of Navy history since its
inception. Their undeniable strength and impact on
protecting the United States, demonstrates the illustrious
legacy of the first inhabitants of our nation.
By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2018
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