Despite the administrative costs and inefficiencies of segregation—and facing a war on multiple fronts—the armed services did not move to integrate the hundreds of thousands of African Americans who enlisted for wartime service.

When you meet U.S. Navy Capt. Carlos Williams, director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, you’ll likely notice that he embodies the Navy’s core values of initiative, accountability, integrity and toughness.

With February designated as Black History Month, Navy Medicine and Defense Health Agency commands such as Naval Hospital Bremerton are recognizing the exceptional service and many contributions of Black military and civilian personnel.

Black History Month marks a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans. For Naval Medical Forces Support Command, U.S. Air Force Lt. Zainob Andu, a regional logistician and assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, is a representation of the highly professional and diverse active duty workforce.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center hosted a Black History Month observance featuring retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Norvell “Van” Coots' presentation titled “Health Equity: African Americans and the Arts,”