Seaman Katya Armbrecht earns Coast Guard Honor Graduate

Photo By Seaman Christian Lower | Seaman Katya Armbrecht is selected as the Honor Graduate for recruit company Quebec-200 as they prepare to complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, June 16, 2021. The Coast Guard's goal is providing the right people, with the right competencies and experience, to the right place, at the right time in order to accomplish our missions, while continually developing our workforce through superb leadership. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Christian Lower)  

PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

06.18.2021

Story by Seaman Christian Lower 

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May

CAPE MAY, N.J. – Seaman Katya Armbrecht from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, earned the title of Honor Graduate after graduating the U.S. Coast Guard’s 8-week basic training at Training Center Cape May, June 18, 2021.

Armbrecht was presented a plaque on behalf of the Navy League that is presented to the recruit who has the highest final overall standing. Armbrecht is authorized to wear the Coast Guard Honor Graduate Ribbon.

Capt. Kathy Felger, the commanding officer of Training Center Cape May, presided over the ceremony and advancement of the 77 graduates of Recruit Company Quebec-200. Training at boot camp is difficult, and approximately 20% of recruits do not graduate with their original company.

“I am beyond humbled and grateful to receive the Honor Graduate Award,” said Armbrecht. “This seemingly ‘long’ eight-week journey blended together to feel like a blink of an eye because of my shipmates standing beside me. We walked in as individuals but are leaving as a family in blue.”

Armbrecht will be attending Officer Candidate School in New London, Connecticut.

Armbrecht’s company earned multiple awards during their seven weeks of training, such as the Marksmanship Pennant. Quebec also earned the Company Commander and Section Commander Pennants.

Armbrecht is the daughter of Luellen and David Armbrecht. She graduated from Pagosa Springs High school in 2012. Armbrecht’s grandfather, Louis G. Sokal, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an enlisted member in aviation.

Training Center Cape May is the fifth largest base in the Coast Guard and the sole accession point for the entire enlisted workforce. It is considered the birthplace of the enlisted corps or the Coast Guard’s Hometown.

Training Center Cape May’s mission is to transform the recruits of today into the Coast Guardsmen of tomorrow.

• Date Taken: 06.18.2021
• Date Posted: 06.18.2021 15:04
• Story ID: 399275
• Location: PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO, US