Navy boot camp graduation from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, September 20, 2019.
Transcript
Good morning and welcome to recruit training command and today’s graduation. We are very excited to have all the family and friends of our sailors, both here and online, because you are about to watch the formal transition from recruits to full-fledged sailors in the world’s greatest and most powerful navy. As we honor the accomplishments of America’s best and brightest, we must also honor the family and friends of these new sailors. Without you and your steadfast support and devotion, this day would not be possible. Throughout our nation’s history, the secret to our military success has always been the military families that stand the watch at home and support their sailors. The Department of the Navy has made the determination that the men and women graduating today have what it takes, and that is thanks to you. So on behalf of the United States Navy, thank you for the support and care you provide. This celebration is not just for the graduates, but for you as well. Take special pride in what your sailor has accomplished and the tremendous journey they are about to embark on. They are our future. Thank you again for your support and all you do to keep America safe and strong. Enjoy this ceremony. It gives me distinct pleasure to welcome you to our navy family. (dramatic orchestral melody) (military drum roll) (xylophone accompaniment) (“Beat It” melody) (“Seven Nation Army” melody) (cheers and applause)
Present arms! Carry arms! (rhythmic drumming) (rhythmic drumming) (cheers and applause)
[Announcer] As the parade of graduates approaches, we salute the states and territories whose sons and daughters will graduate today.
[Second Announcer] Delaware!
[Announcer] Pennsylvania! New Jersey!
[Second Announcer] Georgia! Connecticut! Massachusetts!
[Announcer] Maryland!
[Second Announcer] South Carolina!
[Announcer] New Hampshire!
[Second Announcer] Virginia! New York!
[Announcer] North Carolina! Rhode Island! Vermont!
[Second Announcer] Kentucky! Tennessee! Ohio! Louisiana! Indiana!
[Announcer] Mississippi!
[Second Announcer] Illinois! Alabama! Maine! Missouri!
[Announcer] Arkansas! Michigan!
[Second Announcer] Florida! Texas! Iowa! Wisconsin!
[Announcer] California! Minnesota!
[Second Announcer] Oregon! Kansas! West Virginia! Nevada! Nebraska!
[Announcer] Colorado! North Dakota!
[Second Announcer] South Dakota! Montana! Washington!
[Announcer] Idaho!
[Second Announcer] Wyoming! Utah!
[Announcer] Oklahoma!
[Second Announcer] New Mexico! Arizona!
[Announcer] Alaska!
[Second Announcer] Hawaii! District of Columbia! Puerto Rico!
[Announcer] Guam!
[Second Announcer] American Samoa! Northern Mariana Islands! Virgin Islands!
[Announcer] State flags. Order. Arms. And now we invite you to join the staff of Recruit Training Command in welcoming the graduating divisions with your applause as they enter Midway Ceremonial Hall and are announced in the following order! (military drum roll) (cheers and applause) Please welcome Division 3-4-7! (cheers and applause) Division 3-4-8! (cheers and applause) Division 3-4-9! (cheers and applause) Division 3-5-0! (cheers and applause) Division 3-5-1! (cheers and applause) Division 3-5-2! (cheers and applause) Division 3-5-3! (cheers and applause) Division 3-5-4! (cheers and applause) Today’s graduating performing unit is Division 9-4-6! (cheers and applause) Division 9-4-6 provides the arrival honor staff, honor guard, the recruit review commander adjutant, and graduates who provide support assignments for today’s ceremony. Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated. Thank you. Divisions, right face. Sections leaders fall out and collect outer garments.
[Officer] Present flags! Carry arms! Forward platoon formation! March! (military drum roll) Present flags! Order arms! Parade! Rest!
[Announcer] Divisions counter. (military drum roll) Divisions halt.
[Officer] Prepare for review! Parade! Rest!
[Announcer] May I have your attention please. For the remainder of the review, no one will be permitted to pass in front of the review stand. And we ask this as a courtesy to our reviewing officer. Photography is certainly encouraged, but we ask that you remain seated and off the drill deck. The photographers you will see on deck throughout the review are the official photographers of Recruit Training Command. (military trumpet music) Division commanders. Left or right face. Parade rest.
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I’m Lieutenant Rob Griffin Dunkin, Recruit Training Command’s Drill Division Officer. I would like to welcome you to today’s passing review. Today you will see nine divisions comprised of 669 sailors participate in their graduation ceremony and soon join the most powerful navy in the world. Please draw your attention to the unit positioned at center deck. There’s the Review Commander and staff. The Review Commander is responsible for conducting the graduation ceremony. Today’s Review Commander is seaman recruit Cameron Taylor from Spokane, Washington. Let’s give him a hand folks. (cheers and applause) Performing today is the Triple Threat Unit on their sixth week of training, State Flags Units on their seventh week of training, and Staff Unit on their eighth and final week of training. These units are comprised entirely of recruits. During their night of arrival, all recruits are placed into divisions of 88 personnel and assigned their division commanders. Recruit Division Commanders form the backbone of recruit training and are the key individuals in the life of every recruit. Division commanders must serve as counselors, disciplinarians, administrators, and military leaders. Above all, they must show themselves as outstanding examples of military bearing appearance, attitude, and behavior. Each division also has a Recruit Chief Petty Officer. This is the senior recruit who supervises the divisional staff positions and leaves the division in the absence of their division commanders. Now ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce the graduating divisions, their division commanders, and recruit chief petty officers. As I introduce each division, they will raise the competitive flags that they have earned throughout their training. As I introduce each recruit chief petty officer, the flag representing their home state will also be raised. Please hold your applause until all introductions have been completed. I will be starting from their right. Division 3-4-7. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Jordan Laport. Petty Officer First Class Aaron Myers. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Madison Tyson from Stanley, North Carolina. Division 3-4-8. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Jessica Barnes. Petty Officer First Class Durias Binyon. Petty Officer First Class Shawn Tracy. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Ayana Reid from Lancaster, California. Division 3-4-9. Commanded by Petty Officer First Class William Shuck. Petty Officer First Class Rafael Espinoza. Petty Officer Second Class Jordan Alcontra. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman John Lockame from Princeton, North Carolina. Division 3-5-0. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Matthew Smith. Petty Officer First Class Nicholas Habbot. Petty Officer Second Class Brady Arnst. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Andrew Starling from Buchanan, Georgia. Division 3-5-1. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Scott McKenna. Petty Officer First Class Roger Rosell. Petty Officer Second Class Manille Martinez. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Marilyn Muenos-Flores from Ontario, Calfornia. Division 3-5-2. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Raheem Connor. Chief Petty Officer Ryan Quinn. Petty Officer Second Class Carrie Sanchez. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Isabelle Zemba from New Lebanon, Ohio. Division 3-5-3. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Christopher Youngers. Petty Officer First Class Christopher Walker. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Jeremy Rice from Kansas City, Missouri. Division 3-5-4. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer James Conine. Petty Officer Second Class April Puraganan. Petty Officer Second Class Henry Williams. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Michael Aposhian from Marysville, Washington. Division 9-4-6. Commanded by Chief Petty Officer Justin Kells. Petty Officer First Class Anthony Patronus. Petty Officer Second Class Joseph Haines. And their Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Seaman Cameron Taylor from Spokane, Washington. On behalf of the commanding offer and staff of Recruit Training Command, we congratulate these division commanders and recruit chief petty officers on a job well done. (cheers and applause) In a moment, you will see the ceremonial sideboys boating and honor guard take their places for arrival honors. This time-honored tradition is our formal greeting to this morning’s reviewing officer. When requested by the announcer, please stand for the arrival honors marching on into colors, the National Anthem, and the invocation. As a reminder, military guests shall remain covered throughout the entire graduation ceremony. And ladies and gentlemen, one final note. As befitting the importance of this occasion, our ceremony is conducted in a formal manner. However, we do encourage you to participate in today’s graduation ceremony by letting your applause show your sailor just how proud of them you are. Once again, welcome aboard. (cheers and applause) (military orchestral music)
[Cameron] Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Division march! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Right! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Left! Right! Left! Division halt! Left face! Order arms! At a normal interval, dress left! Left! Ready, front! Forward rest! Division, attention!
[Announcer] Will the guests please rise and remain standing for the arrival of the official party.
[Officer] Sideboy, strike four bells! (bell rings)
[Announcer] Recruit Training Command arriving. (whistle blows)
[Officer] Order arms! Sideboy, strike six bells! (bell rings)
[Announcer] Naval Service Training Command arriving. (whistle blows) (military marching band music)
[Officer] Order arms! Sideboy, strike eight bells! (bell rings)
[Announcer] Deputy Commander, US Strategic Command, arriving. (whistle blows) (military marching band music) (military drumming)
[Officer] Order arms!
[Announcer] The guests may be seated.
Good morning Admiral! Honor Guard standing by for inspection sir!
Inspection arms! (military marching band music)
Thank you for your inspection comment sir! Right shoulder arms! Parade! March! Right face! Forward march! Left! Left! Left! Left!
Color Guard! Parade the colors!
[Announcer] Will the guests please rise. Present arms. (drum roll) (“The Star-Spangled Banner” melody) Oh say can you see By the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hail At the twilight’s last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched Were so gallantly streaming And the rockets’ red glare The bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there O say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free And the home of the brave (cheers and applause)
[Officer] Order arms! Retire the colors!
[Announcer] Present arms. (drum roll) Order arms. Chaplain Brown will offer this morning’s invocation.
Let us pray. Eternal Father, strong to save. Before we say anchors aweigh and farewell for shores, we ask our Lord in a solemn reflection. Anchors aweigh and drink to the foam both sound like adventure and fun in the Navy. And the Navy certainly has both adventure and fun. We realize however, before we sing, to remember the purpose of our part in the navy. Our navy exists to defend our nation. We trained these sharp looking sailors standing here on this day with a clear purpose. To be war fighters, to be warriors. (mumbles) standing here will go into harm’s way and will protect the interests of our nation. We do not send these sailors without a part to play in order to protect our nation in a dangerous place. And so eternal Father, strong to save on this day, (mumbles) and discipline veritably our sailors in blessing. Let it bring down that blessing a double portion of toughness and purity. Send us your heroes to (mumbles) for us, strong measure as the pages of our history, so that they may do their duty (mumbles) watch wherever duty and country may take them. We pray this in the name of the Lord. Amen. Eternal father, strong to save Whose arm have bound the restless wave Who bids the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep Oh hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea Amen Amen.
[Announcer] Our guests may be seated. At this point, the commanding officer would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Then the unit commanders would face about and relay the information to their divisions. Today’s events demonstrate how orders are passed through the chain of command.
[Commanding Officer] Divisions! Report!
Division 3-4-7, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-4-8, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-4-9, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well! Division 3-5-0, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-5-1, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-5-2, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-5-3, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
Division 3-5-4, all present and accounted for sir!
[C.O.] Very well!
[Unit Commander] Division 9-4-6, all present and accounted for sir!
Very well! All division present are accounted for sir!
Very well!
The sailor’s creed!
[Sailors] I am a United States sailor. I will support. (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Captain. I present the graduating divisions. Request permission to commence the review.
Very well, commence the review.
Aye sir. Forward! Rest! Sound off! (military marching band music) (cheers and applause) (military marching band music) I am (mumbles) I am the rear wheels of the plane I am the one Pacific race I am I am the city by the bay I am as far as you can see Oh beautiful, for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited planes America, America God shed His grace on thee And crowned thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea We stand our colors raised anew (mumbles) in Navy blue We took the red, the white, the blue America We are You America (applause)
Drill team, attention!
[Soldiers] Booyah Navy! (cheers and applause) (cheers and applause)
[Officer] One, two, one two three four! (military drumming)
Award winners! Left or right face!
Four minutes and 40 sir.
Very well. Good morning. I’m Captain Erik Thors, Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Command. And we’ve got a lot of family members here today, so we’re gonna take some time off script and let you get some energy out. I know you wanna scream, yell, stomp, clap. We’re gonna have an opportunity to do that, we’re gonna beat you to the punch. On the count of three, I want you to really really just let it go. And let the sailors know how much you love them. Here we go, one two three, let it go. (cheers and applause) All right, well done. That’s beautiful. (mumbles). Ladies and gentlemen, since you are in direct use (mumbles) and when these armed men and women enter a profession of arms. Division Nine (mumbles) on this day. To the staffing, high honor staff, honor guard, and recruit review commander adjutant, in support of the ceremony. Please join me in giving them a hand for an outstanding performance. (cheers and applause) Welcome to our Reviewing Officer, Vice Admiral Dave Creedy, Deputy Commander of US Strategic Command. Rear Admiral J. Sands, Commander of Naval Service Training Command. I would also like to welcome all veterans in our audience who have served our country. Could our veterans please stand? (cheers and applause) Please (mumbles) stripes we’re gonna determine today to share in a significant milestone for our newest recruits. I remember the first few training days (mumbles) provided a variety of United States training. Mentally trained, physically fit, and sharp (mumbles) by those you see before you. Today another flag matures (mumbles). And it will enable us to help keep destinations pure. These sailors have successfully completed eight weeks of demanding training. They have reached peak aptitude of their knowledge and their courage through battle stations. They have earned the right to wear the uniform recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom. This journey begins when you graduate and serve the world’s most powerful navy. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you 669 of the newest sharp sailors in the United States Navy. (cheers and applause)
[Announcer] Recruit Training Command, a competitive system among individual recruits and divisions, promotes teamwork, attention to detail, and pride in accomplishment. Divisions performing above standards throughout their training are awarded recognitions flags in five mission areas: academic achievement, military drill, compartment readiness, applications, and physical fitness. These flags are carried as a visible symbol of a division’s success. Each flag is indicated to a sailor individually and as teams in their performance standards in one or more missions areas.
[Officer] Parade! Rest!
[Announcer] Vice Admiral Creedy will now present this week’s individual awards. And he will be joined to the drill deck by our Commanding Officer Anthony Fullers. And Commander of Naval Service Rank Command, Rear Admiral Sands.
[Cameron] Good morning, Captain. Airman Taylor reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] It is our pleasure to recognize the Review Commander for today’s ceremony. Airman Cameron Taylor, Division 9-4-6, from Spokane, Washington. Throughout his training, Airman Taylor has exhibited great pride in naval service and has consistently demonstrated his potential as an effective leader. He has maintained a high standard of personal appearance and displayed excellent military bearing and command voice. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
Good morning, Captain. Seaman Harland reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] For achieving the highest overall academic score during recruit training, Seaman Logan Harland, Division 3-5-3, from Queensbury, New York, has earned the Academic Excellence Award which is sponsored by the Defiance Chapter of the Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Seaman Harland receives a letter of commendation from the commanding officer. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
Good morning, Captain. Airman Yennish reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] For having displayed extraordinary qualities best expressing the American spirit of honor, initiative, and loyalty, Airman Quelani Yennish, Division 3-5-2, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is awarded the Navy League Award which is sponsored by the Navy League of the United States. Airman Yennish is presented with a commemorative plaque and a letter of commendation from the commanding officer. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
Good morning, Captain. Seaman Ferguson reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] Seaman Amy Ferguson, Division 3-4-7, from New Port Richey, Florida, is the winner of the United Service Organization Award for best exemplifying the spirit and intent of the word shipmate. Seaman Ferguson is given a commemorative plaque from the United Service Organization. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
Good morning, Captain. Seaman Contreras reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] Seaman Olivia Contreras, Division 3-4-7 from Salinas, California, is a recipient of the Military Order of the World Wars’ Award of Merit. This award is presented for meritorious performance during recruit training. Seaman Contreras is presented with a commemorative plaque from the Military Order of the World Wars. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
[Stephen] Good morning, Captain. Seaman Storms reporting!
Very well.
[Announcer] The Military Arms Association Initiative Award is presented to Seaman Hayden Storms, Division 3-4-8, from Newport Beach, Virginia. For demonstrating exceptional tenacity and professionalism, Seaman Storms is awarded a letter of commendation from our commanding officer. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
Good morning, Captain. Fireman Steppen reporting.
Very well.
[Announcer] Fireman Cade Steppen, Division 3-4-8, from Mosinee, Wisconsin, is a recipient of the Navy Club of the United States of America Military Excellence Award. For best exemplifying the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork. This award places him at the pinnacle of today’s newest sailors. He is awarded a flag letter of commendation. Fireman Steppen, the staff of Recruit Training Command salute you as the finest of this group of graduates. Well done, sailor! (cheers and applause)
Good morning, Admiral.
[Officer] Divisions! Atten-hut!
[Announcer] It is appropriate to recognize the outstanding individual accomplishments of these sailors with a round of three cheers. We ask that all graduating (mumbles) three cheers for this morning’s award winners.
Hip hip!
[Sailors] Hooray!
Hip hip!
[Sailors] Hooray!
Hip hip!
[Sailors] Hooray!
I have esteemed pleasure this morning (mumbles) Vice Admiral Dave Creedy, Deputy Commander and US Navy Commander. Like myself, Dave Creedy is a 1984 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. (mumbles). He also holds command in (mumbles) from Albany, New York. This flag side salute, Commander (mumbles). Deputy Director (mumbles) West Virginia. Deputy Director of Fort Twain, US Naval Forces team. Most recently, he served as a director of (mumbles) policy national series council where he’s responsible for the residents of all (mumbles) computer weapon industries. His operations include USS Kentucky, USS Bombay, USS Trinidad, Mainer, USS Rhode Island. Among his short staff size include (mumbles). Submarine work and sub-operations committee. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me and give a warm welcome to an outstanding sailor, Vice Admiral Dave Creedy. (applause)
Well good morning everyone. Thank you for such a warm welcome at a great place. It’s a pleasure to be with all of you here today to honor all these sailors who are out here today. For over a century, naval military (mumbles) process. Giving highly trained sailors from the world’s most powerful navy and that’s what we’re here to do today. Mike (mumbles) has an empty banner (mumbles) I’m very fortunate to see the great teamwork, the courage, dedication, (mumbles). Getting across from the depths of the ocean and across the seas to defend our country. The strength of our navy is as great as ever and I welcome all of you to our ranks. As I look towards you, I know that all of you will do great things. Now each of you sailors have selflessly answered the call of duty, to serve a greater cause to defend our nation from all enemies. Over the past eight weeks this rigorous program has placed more demands on you than most of you probably ever thought were possible. Each of you met those challenges head on, leaning on the necessary skills to succeed in the navy, passing battle stations, and proving worthy of where you are (mumbles) freedom around the world. The uniform of the United States Navy. To the recruiter division banners (mumbles). I need to thank all of you for taking on the unique and honorable challenge to saving these recruits (mumbles) sailors. I wanna thank all of your for you dedication and your work. Most importantly today, we acknowledge the sailors’ family and friends and anyone at all who played (mumbles). Who will stand up to their country. Who will understand today’s core values of honor, heart, and commitment. (mumbles). We also involve you in our proud Navy family. (applause) I’ll also say for the family members that are here today, over the last two days as I spent some time here at the Recruit Training Command and I talked with many Of the sailors who are graduating today, and I asked them what the most difficult part of their recruit training was. Very few of them said things like passing battle stations or having to get up early in the morning. The most common answer, the most difficult challenge for most of the recruits who will become sailors today, is being away from their family and their loved ones. Missing folks at home they grew up with and who need to support them. (mumbles). They’ll all go through that, that’s a natural part of life. For those (mumbles) actively support. Engage, reach out to them, communicate, (mumbles) navy around the world. When everyone’s getting accomplishments (mumbles). So I wanna again thank you for that support. (applause) For the sailors, morale and support will help overcome the most challenging years of your life. (mumbles). We are prepared day in and day out to be the most powerful navy in the world. Be combat ready (mumbles). A time when some of you will be called upon (mumbles). Be ready, be thoughtful. Trust in your dreams and your fellow sailors around you. Because they too are the finest in the world. I tell you, I would trade places with any one of you in a heartbeat if I could do it all over again. I know that I am (mumbles). Well I’ll leave you today by offering you these last words. Please have courage every day to be the very best sailor that you can be. And if you can, always try to live up on the words (mumbles). You can never go home (mumbles) sailors and your families. I wish each of you all the best of luck here in your future endeavors. Congratulations sailors. Fair winds and following seas. (cheers and applause)
[Officer] Present flags! Raise arms! Lower down! Permission, march! (military drum music)
[Announcer] Vice Admiral Creedy will now receive the salute of the graduating divisions and he will be joined on the drill deck by our Commanding Officer Captain Thors. Please remain seated until your graduates have been placed on liberty. (“Stars and Stripes Forever” melody) Please join me in one more round of appreciation for our wonderful musicians of Navy Band, Great Lakes. (cheers and applause) Flags. Post. Section leaders fall out and retrieve outer garments. (military drum music) Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall will be closing at the conclusion of today’s graduation. Please check the area around you to assure you have all your possessions. For those families with strollers, please retrieve them as you exit the drill hall. Thanks again to each and every one of you for joining us on this most memorable.