USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee

Late Post from Friday: Announcing to the public the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee's mission with our CEO Colonel (Ret) Nonie Cabana, USAF, and his son LT Dar Cabana, USN, at the Bataan Memorial Death March 2026 race packet handout exhibit area.

Today is National Medal of Honor Day. We celebrate U.S. Navy Fireman Telesforo Trinidad for his courageous spirit, selfless actions, and inspiration for our community’s purpose. To further recognize his heroism and sacrifice, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the future DDG 139 for Telesforo Trinidad in May 2022. In January 2026, he was inducted into the Surface Navy Association's "Surface Warfare Hall of Fame."

His citation reads:
For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the boiler explosion on board the U.S.S. San Diego, 21 January 1915. Trinidad was driven out of fireroom No. 2 by the explosion, but at once returned and picked up R. E. Daly, fireman, second class, whom he saw to be injured, and proceeded to bring him out. While coming into No. 4 fireroom, Trinidad was just in time to catch the explosion in the No. 3 fireroom, but without consideration for his own safety, passed Daly on and then assisted in rescuing another injured man from No. 3 fireroom. Trinidad was himself burned about the face by the blast from the explosion in No. 3 fireroom.

CAPT Dan Gruta, USN (Ret) participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March with Major General Antonio Taguba, USA (Ret) to honor 75, 000 Americans and Filipinos ordered to surrender and made to endure the 60-mile march during WWII and to speak about Telesforo Trinidad.

SUPPORT REQUEST: On March 21, 2026, I’ll be proud to participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation, especially Medal of Honor Recipient Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo Trinidad. I’m raising funds for the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee, a US 501(C ) 3 non-profit organization (EIN 86-1547516), so we can ensure the ship’s construction milestone ceremonies are as meaningful as its history, and provide support for the morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) of the ship’s officers, crew, and their families. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for helping us celebrate and support the USS Telesforo Trinidad!

Please consider making a TAX DEDUCTIBLE gift to this important cause by check or credit card.

CREDIT CARD DONATIONS: information may be found on our website: www.telesforo.org

CHECHK DONATIONS: please make checks payable to USSTTCC and mail to
USSTTCC
C/O Mr. Ralph Celento
6422 Bandera Road, Suite 130
San Antonio, Texas 78238

We are elated to see the Surface Navy Association induct Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad (our commissioning committee’s namesake) into the Surface Warfare Hall of Fame at their 38th National Symposium and created this video in the process:

2026 - Surface Warfare Hall of Fame - Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, USN (Ret) Surface Navy Association's Surface Warfare Hall of Fame 2026.

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-01-16/filipino-american-shipmate-monument-20423094.html

Navy veterans unveil monument to Filipino-American sailors on former US base The Filipino Shipmate Monument was unveiled this week to honor thousands of Filipino-Americans who have served in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard since 1901.

Col. Nonie Cabana, USAF (Ret), CEO USSTTCC presents a “plankowner” certificate and a letter of appreciation from our Chairman, RADM Vic Mercado, USN (Ret) to Mr. Audie Embestro. With him is also LTC Donel Pascual, USA (Ret). Mr. Embestro is the first donor to achieve 5-Star Status. For more details on donor levels pls visit www.telesforo.org/donor.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Fireman Second Class Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad! His courage continues to inspire us as a committee and serves as a powerful example for generations of Sailors to come.

I would like to thank the Filipino American Retirees of Southern California (FARSOC) for their invitation to their 2025 Halloween Party and for their donation to USSTTCC. It was an honor to meet Melissa Mecija (ABC 10 News) and her husband Eric. Pls check out our website at www.telesforo.org to see how you can help.

Happy 250th Birthday to the U.S. Navy! For 250 years, America’s Navy has delivered peace through strength, demonstrating power as a maritime nation and boasting generations of Sailors upholding a tradition of honor and resilience. The USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee looks forward to adding the future DDG 139 to the world’s most formidable force at sea.