The new Marines of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, graduate at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 6th, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions. Following graduation, the Marines were given 10 days of leave before taking the next step in training at the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Transcript

The pre parade serenade was provided by Marine van San Diego. Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego California. The Marine corps has played an active role in san Diego history ever since marines from the slope of war cyan seized old town during the Mexican American war. In 18 46. Marines have been stationed at the recruit depot since 1921. When most of the buildings your front were constructed, these buildings known as the Arcade were designed by world famous architect Bertram Goodhue. The arcade is among 25 buildings that have qualified for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and are outstanding examples of Spanish colonial revival architecture. Since 1923 more than a million marines have completed the recruit training here at the Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego and since 1915 at the Marine Corps East corpse recruit training depot at parris island south Carolina. Regardless of where marine attended boot camp, you can rest assured that they received the toughest and most physically and mentally demanding recruit training offered anywhere in the world. Some individual techniques and methods may have evolved over the years but the focus and adherence to our core values of honor, courage and commitment are as strong today as any time in our history today. The marines of company a accept the responsibilities to safeguard this proud tradition as they stepped forward to join this rich heritage ahead of them like bright futures that will no doubt add to the proud marine legacy that they now rightfully claim as their own corporal manny is a three year old, full blooded English bulldog. Born in Fallbrook California on July 9th 2018. He is named in honor of Sargent john er Manolito sr one of the original 29 Navajo code talkers who trained in the first all Navajo platoon here aboard the depot. In 1942 sergeant Manolito helped create the code that the Navajos developed at Camp Elliot. Now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, he became an instructor teaching other Navajo marines. The Navajo code. Later Sergeant Manolito participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima where a marine signals officer stated had it not been for the code talkers we would have never taken Iwo Jima corporal many continues the tradition of a long line of marine corporal dog mascots dating back to 1921 when regular General Smedley Butler appointed sergeant Major Jigs as the first bulldog mascot for Marine Corps barracks, Quantico. He’s being escorted by the Office of Communication, strategy and operations. Lance corporal max J. Noel. Yeah, okay, mm hmm. Stop fun, mm hmm. Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of the United States Marine Lieutenant Amy, ruth Brian chaplain corps. United States Navy will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise, let us pray Holy one. On this day of Great Celebration. We give you thanks for these young men of company a who have earned the title marine. We give you thanks for the gifts and abilities you have given to each one of them which they now bring to strengthen our Marine corps. We give you thanks for the drill instructors, company officers, and battalion leadership who have shaped and molded these young men into marines. We are grateful to stay for the families who have supported them every step of their journey for their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. We give you thanks, we ask a holy one that you be with these new marines as they continue in their training. Keep them safe and bless them, remind them to be always faithful to their country, to their core, to each other and to themselves just as you. Oh, holy one are always faithful. Bless our nation. Bless these new marines and God bless the United States Marine Corps. Amen, thank you. Please be seated. The Commanding General, Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a marine. Their graduation from boot camp Approximately 40 weeks each year. For the past 100 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 the right basic training to recruits. Enlisted west of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all applicants in the Marine Corps. Each year. The depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our efforts here are geared toward one end producing America’s finest fighting force. The United States Marines This morning Company, a first recruit training battalion recruit training regiment will form in March in the parade following the passing review. Their graduating 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 regimens. The commander of troops is First Sergeant, Bridget E. Bellman Company, First Sergeant Company, a first recruit training battalion. The parade adjutant is Sergeant Joshua. G. Molly, drill instructor Company, A first recruit training battalion recruit training regimen. Mm hmm. The marching units are now being called to attention and the achievements, command sound accidents call will begin today’s parade. Yeah. Mm hmm. Marching in today’s parade are 288 of the graduating marines from Company A Among the 288 marines are two marines who displayed outstanding performances and to individually graded events. Private first class James J. Cleveland from platoon 1010 is the company high sugar scoring a 336 out of 350. Private first class Kevin S. McCarthy from the 2 1013 is the most physically fit Marine scoring a 291 out of 300 on the physical fitness test and a 300 out of 300 on the combat fitness test. They will be receiving awards from the Marine Corps Association and Foundation Mhm mm hmm President. Today is the company honor graduates, recruiter sergeant, Justin G able Also present today is the primary marksmanship instructor with a platoon high shooting average of 216 for platoon 1010 Corporal Museo Sanchez. Leon recruit training is 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 military bearing consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. Mhm esprit decor, acquiring the common spirit of 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 and common goals. For 246 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 ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity. The battlefields change and capabilities evolve. History proves that true 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 decor country and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy marines today remain in combat for deployed throughout the world confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty and faithfulness their results 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 a today marks the end of the 13 week recruit training cycle. They have marched countless miles at camp Pendleton and on this parade day and have been trained as are all marines as basic rifleman. In addition, due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival for the recruit depot. They’re marines qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. Mm hmm. What? Okay. Yes. Okay. The platoons are now being aligned from left to right in order to get them into their exact positions for the parade ready. The next portion of the ceremony will be our national anthem. We welcome veterans and members of the armed forces to join us in rendering appropriate honors with the military salute for guests who are not not served in the military, it is proper etiquette during the national anthem To place their right hand over their hearts and for those in the audience wearing headgear to remove it. Will the guests please rise for the presentation of the colors? Yeah. Okay, mm hmm mm hmm, mm hmm. Okay, mm hmm. Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. Yeah. Mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm. Yes. Mm hmm. Mhm mm hmm. And mm hmm. Mhm. Okay. Thank you. Please be seated following the command parade rest. The parade Adjutant will give the command sound off which signals the band, a parade forward of the assembled marines while playing military marching music. Yeah. Mhm. Mhm mm hmm. Mhm. Mhm. Yeah. Oh okay. Okay, mm hmm. Okay, mm hmm. Oh right mm hmm. Yeah. Thank you. Mm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm, mm hmm. Right, okay. Mhm. The parade Adjutant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. Carrie 13 president, right work report. You’re right at the command officers center, march. All unit commanders and guide on bearers march to the front and center of the formation. Historically it was at this point that 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. Hey, mm hmm. Okay. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Okay. Yeah. Mhm. Okay. Here, yeah. Throughout our nation’s history, millions of men and women have earned the title of United States marine men who have helped shape our history join us here today in keeping with the tradition of once a marine. Always a marine. We would like to recognize them at this time. Those in the audience who have served as marines. Please rise. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for their dedicated service to core and country. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Thank you. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for first recruit training. Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Gregory A. Grayson. Well, good morning, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of our commanding general, Brigadier General Morris and the regimental commander. Colonel Jones, welcome to Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego. And the graduation ceremony for Alpha Company. I’d also like to extend a special welcome to today’s parade reviewing official. Sergeant Major Ray, who’s joining us from the first Marine logistics group located about 30 miles north of here aboard Camp Pendleton. Welcome Sergeant Major. Yeah, ladies and gentlemen, The purpose of today’s ceremony is to recognize these new marines and everything they’ve accomplished. Their journey began 13 long weeks ago when they stepped on the yellow footprints and committed to becoming Marines, they arrived as individuals perhaps a little unsure of their decision, but stand before you as a confident team of smartly disciplined marines. During the past three months we develop their physical and mental toughness. They learned essential war fighting skills and they proved themselves to be leaders of character. But most of all they came to embrace our core values of honor, courage and commitment with a clear understanding that being a marine carries a special trust and confidence in the highest expectations of the American people. Now, as you might imagine this awesome and very magical transformation, it didn’t happen by itself. And I want to thank those who are involved. First. We recognize each marine’s journey started long before they got here. The foundation of their character started with you in your homes and your schools and your communities. I want to thank all the parents, families and friends as well as teachers and coaches for everything you’ve done. I assure you that your love and support was vital to their success. So thank you for your support. Ladies and gentlemen, now I’d like to turn your attention to the marines wearing the distinctive campaign covers are drill instructors, it’s impossible for me to put into words, their passion work ethic and commitment. From the moment a recruit arrives, there’s a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have spent every waking hour teaching, training, mentoring and leading these young men. Ladies and gentlemen, these drill instructors have made a tremendous and lasting impact on your loved one and trust me, these marines will never forget the name the face or the voice of their drill instructor. So please join me in a well deserved round of applause for the drill instructors of Alpha Company. I’d also like to thank the families of Alpha company who are seated just to the left of the reviewing stand. No group knows better the amount of time and dedication it takes to make marines while their journal instructor was on duty, these spouses and these families, they shouldered all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, homework appointments, dog walks. I could go on my wife and I have four wild animals. two of them are Children. We completely get it. Simply put, we couldn’t have accomplished our mission of making marines without their support. So please join me in a big round of applause for the families of Alpha company. Yeah, okay. And finally I’d like to recognize our highly skilled marksmanship, martial arts, water survival and academics instructors are incredible chaplain. Corman, entire medical team who do an amazing job in ensuring our physical mental and spiritual readiness and of course the dedicated recruiter who saw potential in your marine. In fact, corporal Sanchez is joining us from weapons field training battalion where he coached and trained the platoon with the highest rifle range score and sergeant Abel he’s joining us from riverside California where he recruited today’s honor men. Job old john gentlemen, keep up the great work before I transitioned my comments to the marines behind you, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize one more special group who’s with us today And that’s all the mothers in the crowd. My mother, she was a very influential and positive role model in my life, Just as my wife is for our two young boys and you all are for these young men over here. So for all the mothers in the crowd, Happy Mother’s Day in advance. Thank you so much for what you do. And if you will please excuse me, I’d like to address the new marines one last time as their battalion commander. Good morning marines. Hey Alpha. Company. I know, it seems like a lifetime ago when you were offered the challenge of becoming a marine and when you arrived on your busses and stepped on the yellow footprints, graduation was the last thing on your mind, you’re probably thinking, what have I gotten myself into and how do I get these guys to stop yelling at me. Well, he had a lot to learn and some very steep hills to climb. But you did it. You have rightfully earned the title Marine. Be proud of your accomplishment and the uniform that you now wear. And finally, as I remarked on your first day of training, remember it’s not about you. It’s about all the marines who have gone before you whose legacy you are now a part of, it’s about that marine standing to your left and to your right. It’s about all these people in the stands and this great nation which you’ve come to defend. So serve with honor, served with courage. Serve with commitment and you’ll do well, congratulations again marines on your tremendous achievement. Please Take care of one another and remain semper Fidelis. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you. America’s newest United States Marines. Now taking the position in the reviewing area is today’s parade reviewing official Sergeant Major Standard W Ray the second Sergeant Major for first Marine Logistics Group. He’s accompanied by Sergeant Major Paul F. Hagan, Sergeant Major for recruit training regimen. Sergeant Major Standard W Ray the second Sergeant Major, First Marine Logistics Group. Sergeant Major Ray is a native of Brooklyn new York. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1994 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps, recruit depot, parris Island. After graduating Marine Combat Training, he attended Avionics School where he obtained the military occupational specialty of 73 14. Unmanned aerial vehicle technician. Sergeant Major Ray has served in a variety of challenging billets in numerous commands to include serving as a night crew supervisor, collateral duty inspector and avionics chief at marine unmanned aerial vehicle Squadron two avionics technician, noncommissioned officer in charge and maintenance controller and Marine light helicopter attack Squadron 775 canvassing recruiter and site staff. Noncommissioned officer in charge at prior service recruiting office, recruiting station in san Diego, Maintenance and Material Control Division Chief and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 Company 1st Sergeant at headquarters, company, 4th Marine Regiment and the Sergeant Major at combat Logistics Regiment 15 Sergeant Major rate currently serves as the Sergeant Major of first Marine Logistics group Sergeant Major raise personal decorations include The meritorious service medal with three gold stars into a 4th award. The Navy and Marine Corps commendation Medal with four gold stars and louis fifth Award, The Joint Service Achievement Medal, The Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award and the Combat Action Ribbon. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sergeant Major Stennett Ray Duck. Right. More than a million marines have been trained here in the past 100 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 Terawatt. Evil Jima whose side inch on chosen reservoir Casone waste city, Lebanon Granada Panama to wait Somalia, Fallujah, Ramadi Marjah Sangin. And our most current operations worldwide. This parade deck is rich in history and tradition and no marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Mm hmm. Mhm. Mhm. Ladies and gentlemen, the commander of troops, First Sergeant, Bridget E Bellman Company, First Sergeant and the regimental staff. Mm hmm. Okay. Marine band san Diego. Marine Corps Corps 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. Series 1009 series Chief instructor Staff sergeant, nelson santos to 1009, senior drill instructor Sergeant David. A Honor Platoon, 1010 Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Justin are better. Yeah. 2 1011 Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Rowando. See Barbara. Yeah. Mm hmm. Yeah. The regimental color guard is led by the regimental color sergeant, drill instructor. Sergeant Jesus are Aguilera Series 1013 series. Chief draw instructor, Staff sergeant Lewis M raise Platoon 1013. Senior Drill Instructor. Sergeant Manuel A. Mahia Platoon 1014 Senior Drill Instructor Sergeant Nicholas W. Davis. Mm hmm Oh Platoon 1015 Senior Drilling Short Term Staff Sergeant Fernando Correo. Ladies and gentlemen, if you turn to page 21 of your graduation pamphlets, you will find the marine Corps hymn The Marines. Him has a history dating back to 1859. It is a longstanding tradition for marines to face the direction of the music and stand at attention when it is hurt. It is now directed that all marines present and to have served honorably and ladies and gentlemen, you are all encouraged to join, Sing the words the first verse as marine Ben san Diego performs the marines. Him will the guest please rise mm hmm mm hmm mm hmm. Thank you. Please be seated mm hmm. The parade is concluded. All right sir, the marine course uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who trained and supervised 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 core. 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 its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make marines, the individual marine is the core. That is what we do here For the Marines graduating today. The long arduous journey of the last 13 weeks has put a small step into the future of the Marine Corps as they prepare to fill the ranks of our court, they do so with unquestionable support with the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company A 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. Oh, oh. Mhm. Mhm. Right, okay. 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 slater are ISO the company first sergeant is first sergeant. Bridget E bellman. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of company. A The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the guidance. Go away what the guidelines have been carried by the platoon’s throughout recruit training and are being retired to symbolize in the spanning of platoons. All similar units in the Marine corps carry such guidelines which identify the unit and are a source of pride to each individual member. No, at the honor of carrying these guide dogs is the so called. Those worries were displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character and respected as little to an honor graduates. The platoon honor graduates compete for the titles of series and company on graduate. They’re considered the top marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine corps. Hey huh! Order go. The guidance will now be returned to the drill instructors. Yeah, get down. Yeah. Okay. Hey and mm hmm. Yeah. The honor graduates will now be presented a plaque by the battalion commander. Lieutenant Colonel Grayson and battalion sergeant, Major sergeant. Major raise. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause Until all honor graduates have been recognized. The honor graduate for platoon 1009 is private first class Jaden M Watkins from salina Texas. The honor graduate for platoon 1010 and the series honor graduate is private first class cabin jay west from Lumberton Texas. The honor graduate for platoon 1011 is private first class Zachary Czar Vos from Orange county California. The honor graduate for platoon 1013 is private first class Jordan’s C. Guy from Ridgecrest California. The honor graduate for platoon 1014 is Private first class Nicholas de Luis from spring creek Nevada. And the honor graduate for platoon 1015. And the company honor graduate is Lance corporal Robert W. Lynn from Whittier California. Lance corporal in is also the recipient of the chesty puller award for his outstanding meritorious performance while they recruit training. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor graduates of company A. Mhm. Hold back. Mhm. How many 1st Sergeant for the first time, aye, aye, sir. 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 have received throughout recruit training. That’s not door ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s ceremony