“I am extremely proud of the effort and hard work every Sailor has put in over the last several weeks,” said Cmdr. Dave Tickle, commanding officer of USNCG. “The discipline required to reach graduation day should not be undersold, and today they stand as the Navy’s newest Guardsmen, the pride of our service.”
These Sailors were hand-selected from Recruit Training Command during their basic training, based on an interview process and physical requirements, to represent the naval service in Presidential, military, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around Washington D.C. Additionally, the Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and conducts all services for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
“We select Sailors during boot camp who most embody the Navy’s core values of ‘honor, courage, and commitment,’” said. “These young men and women represent the best our nation has to offer, and stand in the shadow of the guardsmen before them.”
The Sailors who graduated today completed eight to nine weeks of self-paced training that focuses on marching and rifle drill, ceremonial uniform standards, M-1 rifle assembly and inspection, and requires Sailors to learn the history and purpose of the Ceremonial Guard. Additionally, during the course of training the Sailors twice passed the Navy’s physical readiness test at a higher standard than is required than the rest of the Fleet.
“Going through training was stressful at times,” said Seaman Elizabeth Bucher, one of the graduating guardsmen. “But I knew if I stayed committed I would be able to get through it. The training definitely pushes you mentally, but I am confident now I am prepared for whatever challenges might be ahead.”
After graduating, these Sailors will be assigned to the Marching Platoon, which is the initial platoon that holds all guardsmen after graduation. During their time in the marching platoon they will work toward required qualifications to become a member of one of the four units: the Casket Bearers Platoon, Firing Party Platoon, Colors Platoon, or Drill Team Platoon
Since 1931, the Navy Ceremonial Guard has grown from an assembly of men awaiting transfer from the Naval Gun Factory to a highly polished shore command of over 200 Sailors. The Ceremonial Guard remains focused on providing funeral honors to past and present Navy service members and ceremonial support throughout the Washington D.C. area.
To find out more about the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard visit
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/about/ceremonial_guard.html or follow us on social media at
https://www.facebook.com/usnceremonialguard and
https://www.instagram.com/usn.ceremonialguard/
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