2004 Pleasant Hill Graduate Currently with Navy Seabees In Afghanistan Selected to Lead Navy Ceremonial Guard

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Carson | Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon LeJune, a utilitiesman and Petty Officer 3rd Class Antwon Horton, a builder with Naval Mobile Construction 3, prepare to smooth out freshly placed concrete here in Camp Krutke the Seabee camp within Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. NMCB 3 is deployed to Southern Afghanistan to support regional commanders with construction and engineering operations. NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, Naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

05.07.2011

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon LeJeune, utilitiesman, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3’s Delta Company has been selected to be a Navy Ceremonial Guard recruit company commander in Washington D.C.

NAVADMIN 039/11, released in February, announced the Navy’s search for qualified candidates.

“Chief Curtis brought it to my attention that I fit the profile, and recommended I put in a package,” said LeJeune. “I was surprised when I was told that I made the cut.”

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and a time honored tradition,” said Chief Petty Officer Marvin Blue, boatswain's mater, NMCB 3’s Chief Master at Arms.

Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials. In addition, the Navy ceremonial guard serves as the funeral escort and conducts all services for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The tasking for ceremonies comes from the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense the Secretary of the Navy, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commander, Naval District Washington.

The Navy Ceremonial Guard has been part of Navy history and U.S. military heritage since 1931. It is the official ceremonial unit of the Navy and very high-profile, holding the nickname, “The face of the Navy,” somewhat akin to the Silent Drill Platoon of the United States Marine Corps. The ceremonial guard consists of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers, and a firing party.

Volunteers interested in the assignment are required to be comfortable interacting with the public and also must possess tact and display maturity. Those selected are considered exceptional representatives of the Navy and must possess an impeccable appearance and military bearing. At the core of that discipline and military bearing is the ceremonial guard training, led by recruit company commanders. The instructors shoulder a huge responsibility in maintaining steadfast naval traditions and shaping the future of the Guard.

LeJeune one of the instructors and ne will first attend Recruit Division Commander Training at Great Lakes, Illinois for 13 weeks.

During this time, the rigorous inspections and tough training regimen reminiscent of boot camp will be administered. After graduating RDC Training, Petty Officer LeJeune will travel to Anacostia Naval Facility in Washington D.C., where he will begin training the Navy Ceremonial Guard.

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

• Date Taken: 05.07.2011
• Date Posted: 05.07.2011 01:12
• Story ID: 70008
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF