Sailors From USS Shiloh Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens
by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Askia Collins
December 3, 2021

Three Sailors from USS Shiloh (CG 67) were naturalized as U.S. Citizens in a ceremony aboard the ship in its Pilot House while pierside at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan on November 22, 2021.

The Sailors' Oath of Allegiance pledge and signing of their naturalization documents was witnessed by the crew of Shiloh, including the ship's Commanding Officer.

"With today's oath, you have renounced allegiance to any foreign state or sovereignty, showing great personal determination and demonstrating the commitment you have made to this country," said Capt. Adam G. Cheatham, Shiloh Commanding Officer. "You did not renounce the devotion you carry in your hearts for the people and culture of your native country. You should always carry that with you and cherish it. It is these experiences that people bring with them when they become citizens that increases the strength of our great nation."

The naturalization process began months in advance as soon as the Sailors met all of the basic requirements for citizenship under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

"[Becoming a citizen] is a good feeling," said Raphael Alvaraeo, an Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class. "I've been working on all my paperwork for a while and my first lieutenant helped me put it all together."

Candidates for citizenship need to pass an exam on U.S. history and the Constitution administered by U.S. and Immigration Services (USCIS).

"I feel so satisfied that I'm finally a citizen," said Adrian Layog-Tanedo, a Seaman on track to becoming an Aviation Support Equipment Technician. "I learned so much about America through the process and I'm proud."

All three Sailors were originally born in the Philippines and joined the Navy while living in California.

"I am so happy that I can finally say I am a U.S. citizen now," said Vicente Tiogson, an undesignated Seaman.

Since 2002, the U.S. has naturalized more than 148,000 members of the military, both at home and abroad. Naturalization ceremonies have taken place in more than 30 countries. In the past five years, 4.500 Sailors have become naturalized U.S. citizens.

USS Shiloh is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of and network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years; providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.

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