Courtesy Photo | 150522-N-ZZ999-144 NEW YORK (May 22, 2015) - Members of the United States Coast Guard...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) David Wyscaver
Fleet Week New York Public Affairs
NEW YORK – Members of the U.S. Coast Guard USCG Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team performed at USS Intrepid, Pier 86 in Manhattan during Fleet Week New York, May 22.
“We mark this day on our calendars all year long,” said Lt j.g Arthur Frooks, the team’s operations officer. “We all look forward to performing here. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase what we can do.”
“This is my second year at Fleet Week and we love to see everyone who comes out to watch us perform,” said Seaman Annie Klebart, a Silent Drill Team member. “It’s a really great opportunity to represent the Coast Guard.”
Before performing in front of crowds in high-visibility environments, Drill Team members must prove their dedication, professionalism and pride in service through a long selection process.
To become a member of the team, the USCG starts with the pick of the yearly crop of recruits, fresh out of recruit training and assigns them to the elite 60-member Honor Guard, said Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class Raymond Attaway, the team drill master. Then, the Honor Guard, along with the drill team’s drill master holds tryouts among its own when positions become available. It’s these 16-20 selected from the 60 – chosen for their high marks in dress, drill, personality, and service motivation – who become the award-winning USCG Silent Drill Team.
“Being a part of the drill team is something I always wanted to do,” said Klebart. “When I got out of basic training I made it a goal of mine to become a part of the Silent Drill Team. We travel a lot and perform all over. It’s truly an amazing job.”
In order for the team to become one cohesive unit, they practice five days a week for a minimum of two hours each day, Attaway explained. They learn the special disciplines of ceremonial drill, as well as how to precisely execute the standard manual of arms presentations. Most of all, they learn to work as a team, leaving any differences of opinion and racial, regional or religious background behind.
Members of the drill team have double duties in the Honor Guard. Their first duty is to the Honor Guard to serve in capacities, which include Firing Party, Body Bearing Team and Colors. When not involved with their Honor Guard duties, the Drill Team is on the road, representing the Coast Guard in a wide variety of parades, competitions and celebrations.
“These drill team members are some of the best of the best in the Coast Guard,” said Attaway. “We represent the Coast Guard with pride and enjoy performing the spotlight all of the time.”
Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Flickr atwww.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2015 19:31 |
| Story ID: | 164356 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 174 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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