Congratulations to the new Marines of Delta Company!! November 13, 2020 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California
Transcript
[Announcer] Lance Corporal Manny, is a two year old, full blooded English Bulldog, born in Auburn, California on July 9th, 2018. He is named in honor of Sergeant Johnny R. Manuelito, Sr., one of the original 29 Navajo code talkers who trained in the first all Navajo platoon here aboard the Depot in 1942. Sergeant Manuelito help create the code that the Navajo developed at Camp Elliott, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor, teaching other Navajo Marines the Navajo Code. Later, Sergeant Manuelito participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima where a marine signals officer stated, “Had it not been for the code talkers, We would’ve never taken Iwo Jima.” Lance Corporal Manny continues the tradition of a long line of mascots at MCRD San Diego, dating back to 1939 when Major General Smedley Butler introduced James Jolly Plumb Dog as our first mascot here at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He’s being escorted by the Office of Communications Lance Corporal Grace J. Kindred. (applause)
Staff, fall in. Staff, halt. Staff, center face.
[Announcer] Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of a United States Marine. Lieutenant John D. Loujhan, chaplain for United States Navy, will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
Let us pray. Almighty God, we come to you with thankful hearts. Thankful hearts for these Marines. Thankful hearts for their drill instructors. We thank you for the families that supported them throughout this cycle of boot camp. Father, we thank you for watching over them. Father, by the authority you’ve given me, I bless these Marines. I bless them to be strong in adversity and brave in conflicts. To be patient in peace and to be strengthened in mind, body, and soul. In the most holy of names, I pray to you. Amen.
[Announcer] Thank you. Please be seated. Officially formed in 1921, Marine Band San Diego has thrilled countless millions throughout the world with its inspiring renditions of traditional and contemporary music. Each member of the band has completed recruit training, maintained combat skills, and many have been on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, giving true meaning to the title Marine musicians. Marine Band San Diego is under the leadership of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alex Panos, band officer and Master Sergeant Robert Marroqu√≠n, band master. The band is lead along (indistinct) Staff Sergeant Brian Reed, drum major, and it’s under the direction of Master Sergeant Robert Marroqu√≠n. The commanding general Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, welcomes you to what is an historic event in the life of a Marine, their graduation from bootcamp. Approximately 40 weeks each year for the past 99 years, new Marines have departed San Diego for service with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the Recruit Depot is to provide basic training to recruits enlisted West of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all male applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also a home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our efforts here are geared towards one end, producing America’s finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment will form and march in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduated Marines will return, front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today’s parade is comprised of Marines from the recruit training regiment. The commander of troops is Captain Gregory R. McCllean, Company Commander, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Captain Nicolas R. Shukurov, Executive Officer, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
[Commander] Troop, attention! (fanfare)
The marching units are now being called to attention. At the Adjutant’s command, Sal Adjutant’s call will begin today’s parade.
[Commander] Sal Adjutant’s call. (marching band begin playing)
[Adjutant] Forward. Hut.
[Announcer] Marching in today’s parade are 357 of the graduating Marines from Company D. Recruit training’s comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines, who function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills, and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguish them as Marines. Examples of these traits are discipline. The achievement of a state of discipline, which assures respect for authority, instant and willing obedience to orders, and the self reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a Marine. (marching band plays) Military pairing. Consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness, as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. (marching band continues) Esprit de corps. Acquiring the common spirit of the the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie, and the burning desire to work with and for others towards excellence in common goals. (marching band continues) For 244 years, Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the nation calls. In the harshest conditions, over the most brutal terrain, and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideal of freedom with grit and tenacity. (marching band continues) Though battlefields change and capabilities evolve, history proves true that victory comes from the individual Marine with steel resolve, the drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, semper fidelis, to Corps, country, and each other that are balanced throughout our storied legacy. (marching band continues) Marines today remain in combat or are deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. They are resolved to be most ready when the nation is least ready. To defend freedom, anytime and anywhere. To stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters. To pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy and to honor the families and loved ones, who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company D, today marks the end of a 14 week recruit trading cycle. They have marched countless miles at Camp Pendleton, and on this parade day, and have been trained, as are all Marines, as basic riflemen. In addition, due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival aboard the Recruit Depot. They are Marines, qualified to take their place in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. (military band continues) (indistinct orders) (indistinct orders) (indistinct orders)
[Announcer] The next portion of the ceremony will be the presentation of the colors. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remain standing for the playing of our national anthem. (indistinct orders) (“You’re a Grand Old Flag”)
[Commander] Present! Hut!
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. (“The Star-Spangled Banner”) Thank you, please be seated. (indistinct commands) (marching band plays) (applause) (marching band continues) (applause)
[Commander] Company Atten-hut. Present.
[Announcer] The parade adjutant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. (indistinct orders)
[Commander] Attention troops. Order, headquarters. Recruit Training Regiment, Marin Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. 13 November, 2020. (indistinct) (indistinct orders) (marching band plays)
[Announcer] At the command, officers center march. All unit commanders and guidon bearers, march to the front center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point, that the commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this, the unit leaders would face about, return to their units, and pass the information along to their Marines. (marching band continues) (indistinct commands) (marching band continues)
[Commander] Officers, Halt! (indistinct commands) (marching bad continues) (indistinct commands) (indistinct commands)
Halt. (indistinct commands)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Farsaad. (applause)
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, both those here in person and those watching online. On behalf of the commanding general Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region, Brigadier General Heritage and the commanding officer of Recruit Training Regiment Colonel Palma, I’d like to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for Delta Company. I’d also like to welcome the parade reviewing officer for today’s ceremony, Major Shannon Gross. Major Gross has served in the Marine Corps for over 15 years and is currently the Provost Marshall here at MCRD San Diego. Welcome. Thanks for joining us. (applause) I’d also like to thank all the parents, families, and friends for everything you’ve done for your new Marines. Although you can’t be here in person, I can assure you that your love and support was vital to their success. Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to address the Marines of Delta Company. Good morning Marines.
[Marines] Good morning, sir. Oorah.
Congratulations. Today marks a milestone in a journey that began 15 long weeks ago when you arrived here and committed yourselves to becoming Marines. You were taught our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. In order to make Marines of exemplary character, with a clear understanding the being a Marine caries a special trust and confidence and the highest expectations of the American people. We developed your physical and mental toughness by imbuing you with the warrior’s spirit. Able to thrive in a complex and chaotic environment and able to persevere and push past your perceived limits when your mettle is tested. You learned the skill of a war fighter, characterized by sound judgment and aggressiveness in execution. You hiked countless miles, learned how to operate in the field, and completed our marksmanship program, enabling you to engage pinpoint targets at distances of up to 500 yards. You were taught how to decide, act, and communicate with a bias for action and with a boldness and determination required of every Marine. And we trained you as leaders who embrace that exceptional and unremitting responsibility to your fellow Marines. All that training culminated in your most difficult task, The Crucible. But you showed your grit and worked together as a team to complete The Crucible and earned a title that your will take pride in for the rest of your lives. The title United States Marine. Be thankful for your drill instructors. They have been with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the last 13 weeks. It is through their hard work and dedication that you were transformed into the Marine you are today. So congratulations again, Delta Company. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You’ve taken your place in that long line of illustrious Marines who have served as soldiers of the sea, since the founding of our Corps. And so, as you leave here today, remember our core values, because now you represent all those Marines who went before you and you’ll help mold the ones who come after. May you always have fair winds and following seas and remain Semper Fidelis. (applause)
[Announcer] Now taking his position in the review area is today’s parade reviewing officer, Major Shannon L. Gross. She is accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Versa, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment.
[Commander] Regiment, atten-hut. Present-hut. Order-hut.
Major Gross enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, South Carolina. Later, she attended Marine combat training and completed her military occupational specialty, 0151, Administrative Clerk. Major Gross was awarded the MROTC Scholarship and had the opportunity to attend college at Jacksonville University in August of 2006. In 2009, Major Gross attended officer candidate school and, subsequently, the basic school in 2010. After her commissioning, she attended the Miliary Police Basic Officer’s Leadership course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Major Gross has served in a variety of challenging posts in numerous commands to include serving as services officer, operations officer, and deputy provost Marshall at the provost marshal’s office, Marine Corps Airstation, Iwakuni, Japan, company commander, future operations officer, and battalion unit readiness officer for 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, Okinawa, Japan. Counter insurgency measure primary instructor, combat outpost tactical exercises without troops primary instructor, staff platoon commander, and company platoon executive officer at the Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, Virginia. In July, 2020, Major Gross was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego where she is currently serving as a provost officer for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Major Gross’ personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Gold Star in lieu of second award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Major Shannon L. Gross. (applause)
[Gross] Start the Command review.
[Soldier] Aye aye, ma’am. Attention, review. (marching band drummer plays) Forward. Hut. (marching band plays)
More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 99 years and have departed San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Yuuzhan, Ichon, Chosin Reservoir, Kaesong, Hue City, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, Iraq, Mosul, Afghanistan, and our most current operations worldwide. This parade, then, is rich in history and traditions and no marine trained here ever forgets it’s sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of Troops. (marching band drowns out announcer) (applause) Marine Band, San Diego of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. (applause) (marching band continues) Platoon 1061, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant, Gary Keoh. (indistinct announcements) Lance Corporal (indistinct) (applause) (marching band continues) Platoon 1062, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Robert J. Baird. (applause) (marching band continues) Platoon 1063, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Lewis A. Betina. (applause) The regimental color guard led by Drill Instructor Sargent Patrick Atson. (marching band continues) Platoon 1065, Series Commander for Group A, Jessica L. Pullman. Platoon 1065, Senior Drill Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Timmy J. Franklin. Also from Platoon 1065 is the company high shooter, Private Alexis M. Padilla. (applause) Platoon 1066, Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Cedric D. Flores. (applause) Platoon 1067, Senior Drill Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Pablo S. Flores. (applause) The Marine’s Hymn has a history dating back to 1859. It is a long standing tradition for Marines to face the direction of the music and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all Marines present, and who have served honorably, sing the words to the first verse, as the Marine Band San Diego performs The Marine’s Hymn. (“Anchors Aweigh”) (“The Marine’s Hymn”) ‚ô™ From the Halls of Montezuma ‚ô™ ‚ô™ To the shores of Tripoli ‚ô™ ‚ô™ We fight our country’s battles ‚ô™ ‚ô™ In the air, on land, and sea ‚ô™ ‚ô™ First to fight for right and freedom ‚ô™ ‚ô™ And to keep our honor clean ‚ô™ ‚ô™ We are proud to claim the title ‚ô™ ‚ô™ Of United States Marine ‚ô™
[Announcer] Thank you. Please be seated. The Marine Corps’ uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine have been developed, nurtured, and ingrained in recruits through their observance and relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the Corps. Each year recruit training provides thousands of America’s finest young men and women with the basic knowledge and skills to function in a profession characterized by it’s own set of high values and soft standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make Marines. The individual Marine is the core. This is what we do here. (indistinct conversation) For the Marines graduating today, the long arduous journey of the last 14 weeks, is but a small step into the future of the Marine Corps. As they prepare to fill the ranks of our Corps, they do so with unquestionable support for the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company D prepares for their final dismissal from boot camp today, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, they will report to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California where they will continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of a Marine Rifle Squad. The intense, initial training that every marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a rifleman. (indistinct commands) Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we would like to introduce to you the Marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The company Commander is Captain Gregory R. McMillan. (applause) The company First Sergeant is First Sergeant Warren E. Wolf. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company D. (applause) The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the guidons.
[Commander] Atten-hut. (marching band plays)
[Announcer] The guidons have been carried by the platoons throughout recruit training, and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carry such guidons, which identify the units and are a source of pride to each individual member. The honor of carrying these guidons is bestowed upon those Marines who displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation, and character and were selected as the platoon honor graduates. (indistinct announcements)
[Commander] Present, Guidon. Order, Guidon.
[Announcer] The guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. (marching band plays) (indistinct commands) (marching band continues)
[Commander] Detail, halt. Center face. (marching band continues) (indistinct commands) (marching band continues) (applause) (marching band continues)
[Announcer] The honor graduate for Platoon 1061, and also the company honor graduate is, Lace Corporal Adrian Q. Gomez from Las Vegas, Nevada. Lance Corporal Gomez is also the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The honor graduate for Platoon 1062 is Private First Class, Peter A. Brigand from El Doredo, Kansas. The honor graduate for Platoon 1063 is Private First Class, Wyatt M. Hoyka from Lasea, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 1065 is Private First Class, Guadalupe R. Mendero from Hindenburg, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 1066 is Private First Class, Eric M. Pew from Marcola, Texas. And the honor graduate for Platoon 1067, and also the series honor graduate is, Private First Class, Carter T. Sole from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor men of Company D. (applause)
[Commander] Ho, Hut. Company first order. Detail halt. Left face.
The company First Sergeant will now give the command to the senior drill instructors to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say, this will be the most welcome command they ever see throughout recruit training.
[Commander] Senior drill instructor! Dismiss your platoons!
[All] Yes, sir. (indistinct)
[Marine Recruits] Aye aye, sir. Oorah! (marching band begins)