Honoring Filipino Sailors: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at the Intrepid Museum 

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders whose stories, resilience and achievements have shaped the United States. This month invites us to reflect on the rich contributions of AAPI communities across all sectors of American life, from the arts and sciences to the armed forces.  

At the Intrepid Museum, we are proud to highlight the service and experiences of Filipino sailors aboard Intrepid and Growler, who played a vital role in our nation’s naval history.  

Filipino Recruitment in the U.S. Navy 

Profile published in the ship's newspaper, Achiever, 1970.
Credit: Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Dennis Byrne. A2011.10

In 1901, when the Philippines became a U.S. territory, the U.S. Navy actively began recruiting Filipinos into service. Though the Philippines achieved independence in 1946, this recruiting relationship continued until 1992. Young Filipino men enlisted in the U.S. Navy seeking economic opportunity and adventure. Many ultimately chose to become American citizens. 

The application process to enter the Navy from the Philippines was competitive, attracting bright and ambitious students. However, successful recruits were often surprised to learn that no matter their qualifications, they were only to be trained as stewards. Stewards worked in the wardroom, cooking and cleaning for officers. The U.S. Navy racially segregated this job: Filipino sailors quickly observed that their fellow stewards were either Black or Guamanian. 

Building Community and Creating Change 
Despite these restrictions, Filipino sailors worked hard to build a life far from home. On Intrepid and Growler, many formed tight bonds with their shipmates. On shore, they made connections with Filipino communities springing up around naval bases. Sailors deployed to the waters around the Philippines cherished the opportunity to visit home, often after many years away. 

Credit: Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Germiniano Tubao. P2023.24.19

Many Filipinos fought to change their role in the U.S. Navy. While individual sailors sometimes found success, the Navy finally opened more roles to Filipino recruits more widely in 1971. Today, many Filipino-Americans serve in the U.S. Navy, some carrying on a tradition that began with their fathers and grandfathers. 

Learn more about the history of Filipino sailors in the Navy and hear directly from former Intrepid crew members from the Philippines in our mobile guide and oral history collection. These unique stories offer a deeper look into AAPI heritage and history.

Tickets can be purchased here. Explore our collections at intrepid.emuseum and our digital guide.