New citizens sworn in at NAS Jacksonville

During the ceremony, 34 service members from the Navy, Air Force and Army raised their right hands as they were officially sworn in as American citizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Jacksonville Field Office Director Leonard Susalla.

Shortly before the ceremony, the service members carefully checked their documentation with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service officials as family members and friends gathered at the Bachelor Officers' Quarters pavilion.

A group of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen proudly raise their hands and take the oath to become American citizens during the ceremony at the NAS Jax BOQ Pavilion Dec. 17.

The event began as Immi-gration Services Officer Paul Friel gave the welcoming remarks and the NAS Jax Honor Support Team paraded the colors. As Navy Band Southeast played the national anthem, the group of service members proudly saluted the flag. Friel then introduced NAS Jax Command Chaplain Cmdr. Gerald Felder who gave a riveting invocation. NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. delivered the keynote speech.

"To the service members who will be naturalized today and to your families, let me offer my sincerest and heartfelt congratulations. For some of you taking the oath of citizenship today, I know that the journey has been long and difficult, and I applaud your tenacity in the fulfillment of your dream," said Scorby.

"The strength of our nation continues to grow because of our soon-to-be-citizens, who by their service and by their oath have chosen to become citizens of the United States of America," said Scorby.

"There is no better way to recognize the sacrifices that these men and women in uniform make day in and day out, than to grant them the right to call themselves Americans. This group of 34 will join over 37,250 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who, since Sept. 11, have taken the oath of citizenship during a time our country is at war. Many of them have gone on to risk their lives to defend this great nation of ours and fight for our freedoms, and 111 have paid the ultimate sacrifice and have been awarded citizenship posthumously," he continued.

SH3(AW) Victor Nicaragua, who is currently awaiting orders after the disestablishment of VS-32, salutes NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. before receiving his certificate of citizenship.

"Once the ceremony is over and you go about your daily routines, remember that you are now an American citizen and a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Your work is incredibly important, for it goes to the very foundation of our nation. We began as a nation of immigrants and our immigrants have evolved to make us the greatest nation on Earth," Scorby added.

"I invite you to become active participants in the next chapter of our nation's history. And, just like the immigrants before you, show courage and exercise sound leadership. Help America write a new chapter illuminated by hope, community service and above all, a chapter free of terror."

Next at the podium was Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Katherine Baranowski who offered the presentation of motion to naturalize new citizens. The service members stood and raised their right hands as Susalla gave them the oath of allegiance and proclaimed them "American citizens."

"This is really an exciting day. By becoming an American citizen it will open up more opportunities for me and help me move up in my naval career. I am so very happy to be here today," said SH3(AW) Victor Nicaragua, who was formerly attached to recently disestablished VS-32 and is currently awaiting new orders. "This is truly one of the most important days of my life. I've waited a long time for this day to come. Fortunately, the process of becoming a citizen when you are in the Navy is pretty quick and everything is free."

Thirty-four new naturalized citizens gather with NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., left front, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Jacksonville Field Office Director Leonard Susalla, right front, after the ceremony.

"The Immigration Department and the Navy made the process very easy for me. My command was great because they gave me the time off that I needed for my appointments and to study and take the test," added PR3 Alejandro Bernal of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, who is from Colombia, Central America.