Navy Reserve Supports Historic Inauguration

DC, UNITED STATES

01.25.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nancy diBenedetto 

Commander, Navy Reserve Force   

The sound of patriotic music makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue as thousands of spectators stream the barricaded streets of Washington, D.C. A Sailor steps forward into the street and stands at parade rest, awaiting the passing of the new commander in chief.

With more than 5,000 service members contributing critical support to interagency partners during the 58th Presidential Inauguration, scenes like this were prolific across the nation's capital. In order to meet such high demand for uniformed staff, mission planners looked to the Navy Reserve force for qualified candidates with both civilian and Reserve experience.

"This kind of clutch, high-profile mission support is why we keep ourselves trained up and mission ready at all times," said Cmdr. Jonathan Blyth, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) deputy director for public affairs. "We are following a legacy that has continued for 220 years, that from our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. We are a linkage through history and through all the 44 commanders in chief who came before our newest commander in chief."

Tasked as the Department of Defense liaison to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Blyth said he would have fallen far short of his objectives had it not been for the activation of such a professional team, well suited to provide short-fused support and execute a broad mission scope over several months. Having spent more than 15 years on Capitol Hill, six years as chief of staff for the Bureau of Congress, and a Reservist himself, Blyth stepped away temporarily from his civilian employment and drew from his past inauguration experiences, in addition to ship commissioning ceremonies and fleet weeks, to lead the 72-member JTF-NCR public affairs team.

Of the more than 800 Sailors assigned to JTF-NCR, more than 90 percent were Navy Reservists. Candidates were hand-picked by their command leaders, with final selection and approval by JTF-NCR leadership. Once approved, JTF-NCR coordinators assigned inauguration team members to a variety of roles including ushers, drivers, public affairs specialists, and intelligence and administrative support.

The 10-day inaugural period ran Jan. 15-24, 2017, with the inauguration ceremony taking place Jan. 20, at the U.S Capitol. The origin of the events during this traditional period-and associated military support-date back to April 30, 1789, when George Washington prepared to take the oath of office during the first inauguration, held in what was then the nation's capital, New York City. In particular, the first inaugural parade started when Washington, escorted by members of the Continental Army, left his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia, bound for Federal Hall, and local militias joined his procession as it passed through towns along the way.

During the 58th Presidential Inauguration, Quartermaster 1st Class Janice Sharp, a Reservist from Burleson, Texas, served as one of 53 ushers on a joint team in charge of guiding and seating distinguished visitors, Medal of Honor recipients and members of national and international media. An education specialist in her civilian job, Sharp capitalized on her unique position with the special inaugural guests by sharing her experience with the students at her school.

"We do morning news every day, and so I have been taking pictures," Sharp said. "They do the 'Adventures of Ms. Sharp,' and I am able to FaceTime them during some of our activities. For me, the best part is not only being here for the change-of-command of our country, but also to be able to bring this to my students who may never have the opportunity to come here."

Yeoman 2nd Class Chiakazia Ragin II, who drills at Navy Operational Support Center Baltimore, pounced on the opportunity to put the local experience he's garnered as an FBI officer with the Washington D.C. headquarters to work as the transportation coordinator for ceremonies and special events.

"As a Reservist working for the inauguration, I didn't have to get trained or try to figure out how to get around the city," said Ragin, who joined the team weeks earlier to begin preparations for one of the most high-visibility events in the nation. "Most places [participants] needed to go, I already knew how to get there; when there was traffic, I knew how to get around it. I have to deal with security in my civilian job, so it helps that I know how to blend in and fit into any situation. Even though what I'm doing is just one small piece, it's a piece of the bigger puzzle."

It's a puzzle that traditionally includes pieces like armed forces concert ensembles, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen also provide invaluable assistance to the presidential inaugural committee. Over the years, the Navy Reserve has added intelligence and administrative support too.

Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Joseph Gonzalez's position was unique as both his civilian employment as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officer and his military career in intelligence overlapped. Gonzalez helped Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region leaders maintain situational awareness in the highly dynamic joint environment by analyzing information, identifying potential threats and communicating across the organization.

"As a reservist, I am first and foremost honored to serve my country during a historical event," said Gonzalez. "I have dedicated my entire career to federal and military law enforcement, and intelligence, so being able to work with world-class intelligence professionals is what helps keep America safe. The experiences and training provided by [CPB] and the Navy Reserve has provided me the skills necessary to excel in either capacity. I am able to apply my technical skills, leadership and passion in a unique capacity," said Gonzalez.

Chief Tracey McGee of Washington, D.C., provided ample support for administration. She assisted members in preparing for the mission and processing out, helping ensure an easy transition for members of the Reserve.

"My role was to screen each applicant and ensure they were qualified based on the evaluation criteria and goals of various department. After the selections [were] made, I ensured requirements were pushed through NROWS to each Sailor, credentials were processed in a timely manner and service members arrived on time to complete this mission. It is an honor and privilege to be able to carry an America tradition forward and to support the 58th Presidential Inauguration."

With the sounds of applause and the National Anthem ringing at Capitol Hill, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office Jan. 20, 2017, and became the 45th president of the United States.

As the weekend concluded for most Navy Reserve members, it had just begun for members who remained on orders to begin the four-year process of coordinating Reserve support for the next inauguration. Reserve Sailors interested in this historical opportunity should watch for inauguration personnel support requirements advertised through the Navy Reserve portal.

• Date Taken: 01.25.2017
• Date Posted: 01.31.2018 15:51
• Story ID: 264125
• Location: DC, US