Photo By Cpl. Christopher Prelle | U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps...... read more read more
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NORCROSS, Ga. — The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon displayed precision, discipline, and pride during their performance in Norcross, Ga., giving the community a rare opportunity to witness one of the Corps’ most iconic ceremonial units.
For the platoon’s commander, Capt. Ford Higgins, a native of Norcross, the performance carried special meaning as it marked a return to his hometown. Leading the Silent Drill Platoon in front of family, friends, and neighbors was both a professional milestone and a personal honor.
“It was an honor to return to Georgia and perform at my alma mater. I credit many of the teachers and coaches I had there for shaping me into who I am today,” Higgins said “Having the opportunity to work out on my old football field with the platoon, speak with the high school team, address the student body, and put on a show was truly special.”
The Silent Drill Platoon, based out of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., travels across the country showcasing 250 years of discipline and legacy executing silent rifle drill with a 24-Marine team. Every movement is timed to perfection, demanding months of training and absolute focus.
This time, however, the performance resonated beyond the standard ceremonial weight. For the commander’s father, Rick Higgins, watching his son lead the platoon in their hometown was a moment filled with pride.
“It’s really special, it’s a really unique position in the Marine Corps,” Higgins' father said. “We’re extremely proud and honored to have him here. It’s very meaningful to us and the greater Norcross area.”
As the rifles hit the deck and the Marines moved as one, the crowd in Norcross erupted with applause, both for the iconic platoon and for one of their own, who carried his hometown pride into every step of the performance.
The Silent Drill Platoon’s performances across Georgia culminated in their participation in Marine Week Atlanta. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines have gathered in cities across the country for Marine Weeks and Fleet Weeks to connect with the American public and showcase the professionalism that continues to define our armed forces.
In reflecting on the significance of leading the historic and world-renowned Silent Drill platoon, Higgins said, “I take great pride in leading these Marines who embody the very best of our Corps. They consistently demonstrate professionalism, proficiency, and discipline. It meant a great deal to showcase that standard to my family, friends, and community.”
The Silent Drill Platoon, the premiere ceremonial rile drill unit renowned for its exacting discipline and unmatched ceremonial excellence, exemplifies Marine Corps professionalism through flawlessly executed, weapon-handling routines performed without verbal commands. Marine Barracks Washington, the Oldest Post of the Corps, conducts ceremonial and security missions in the National Capital Region and across the country, representing the Marine Corps with honor and preserving its traditions.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2025 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 549281 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Hometown Hero: Capt. Higgins Brings Marine Corps Precision and Pride Back Home, by Cpl Christopher Prelle, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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