To the then new Naval Training Center .
And the band was officially established
in 1911 when the first recruits arrived
for training during World War one , the
illustrators John Phillip Souza led the
band as he trained more than 1500
musicians for the name today . Members
carry on that noble tradition in the
spirit of the modern pride and service
with a wide range , performing our
songs . This talented group of
professional military musicians appear
in hundreds of parade concert school ,
public and recruiting performances
throughout its 11 state area each year .
As the Navy's ambassadors to the
Midwest , the command Navy service
training command at Great is proud to
present by men and women of a navy band .
Great place
and
the
come .
Ok . Ok .
Yeah .
To honor those who sir . Navy band .
Great Lakes will conclude today's
concert with the performance of the
armed forces medley . As your service
songs played , please stand to
recognize your service or your family
service to our country
for the United States .
And
it's it ,
it
stay
God .
The drum major for today's concert is a
musician . Second class seven lang and
conducting the Navy band . Great late
it is musician , first class Patrick
Reynolds . Another please for the rock
stand .
Yeah ,
the parade of graduates is underway and
we ride at Midway Ceremonial Hall in
just a few moments . Please make sure
that all personal items are clear on
the eyes and the drill down . Yes , in
the balcony reminded that standing
along the rail is prohibited for the
remainder of the ceremony . We know
that your sailors will have many
wonderful and amazing stories for you
about the boot camp experience .
However , at this time , we are some
video evidence that reveals our side of
the story .
Hurry up . Let's go get on the bus .
Let's go
recruit training . Command is the
quarter deck of the United States Navy .
Good order and discipline will be
maintained 24 7 , proper military post
will be maintained 24 7 . Every
enlisted sailor begins their naval
career here and our mission is fairly
simple . It's to transform civilians
into smartly disciplined , physically
fit sail ready for follow on training
and service to the fleet . And while
doing so to instill in them the highest
values of honor , courage and
commitment . You are no longer a
civilian , whatever you were before is
now over , you are about to begin a
journey that's gonna make you a part of
the greatest naval force the world has
ever known . This training will not be
easy . It wasn't meant to be
our training environment is controlled
chaos you guys like
and while it may not seem like that to
the recruits . Each and every event has
meaning and purpose . You're gonna
sound off at the top of your l . Do you
understand ? We are designed to develop
skill sets that sailors can carry
throughout their entire career . We
push hard on physical fitness . You
better check , watch , standing
and creating a warrior mindset . Now ,
with the mental scab , you're gonna be
focused on your mind , a true body ,
mind and soul approach . When I see
gas , you'll have 15 , 15
seconds , not on your face in your
straps , check floor seal and put your
hands in your pockets . All of our
recruits receive training that will
help them . The second they get to the
fleet ,
put your glasses down ,
firefighting , damage control , weapons
and seamanship . Our recruits get hands
on training and application with them
all .
Put my head in front of and stuff .
All right , vampire ,
we hear
again . One breath face comes
up wide
in the surface .
The bottom one , wait here . So I need
everything you've got because once we
start this evolution again , I'm going
to expect you to attack , overcome and
peace be off the wall .
Yeah .
Work together as a team execute the
mission . And the next time I see
you , you'll be safe . Who your
neighbors , everything they learn is
tested in a battle stations .
Fire chief , division one man and ready
for battle and chief . Very well .
Relax . Anything that is a
24 hour event where the recruit ceases
to exist
and a sailor is forged .
Yeah . Ok . Maybe boot camp really is a
machine with a swarm of moving parts
all working towards the same goal
making a sailor is there . Now
I am committed to
the Navy has resources for your family
to get the most up to date information
and even contact you while out to sea .
The navy ombudsman is one of those
resources . Ombudsmen are volunteers
appointed by the commanding officer to
serve as an information link between
command , leadership and navy families .
They're trained to disseminate
information , Department of Navy
Information Command , climate issues
and good deals around the community
such as events , tickets ,
entertainment , et cetera . They also
provide resources and referral and are
instrumental in providing assistance
before requiring immediate command
attention to find your command .
Ombudsman . Go to ombudsman
registry.org .
Welcome to fleet and family support
programs .
We take care of sailors and their
family members to reduce the impact of
stressors in their lives . Our programs
and services focus on prevention ,
support and resiliency counseling ,
advocacy and prevention programs .
Provide individual group and family
counseling , victim intervention and
related prevention , education and
awareness programs such as clinical
counseling , non medical short term
counseling is available at no cost to
active duty sailors and their family
members . This encompasses a broad
scope of educational preventative and
therapeutic services that promote
improved quality of life and increased
resilience . New
parent support , the new parent support
program provides military families who
are expecting or have young Children
with comprehensive parenting and early
child development , education ,
sexual assault prevention and response
or sapper supports commanding officers
in creating a command climate a
prevention that promotes installation
wide sexual assault awareness efforts
and the management of sexual assault
cases including victim advocacy and
support services . Other programs and
services are included in the work and
family life programs which directly
support mission readiness by preparing
service members and their families for
the military lifestyle , physical
emotional and interpersonal demands
through programs such as life skills
education , life skills are all about
self discovery and exploring new ways
to think , interact and solve problems .
These workshops focus on communication
skills , parenting strategies ,
conflict management , stress and anger
management and suicide prevention .
Personal financial management . PFM
provides individual personal financial
counseling and financial education
seminars to stimulate a change in
behavior to promote responsibility and
accountability . Leading to financial
independence , sound money management ,
debt , avoidance and long term
financial stability . The exceptional
family member program , EF MP supports
military families with special needs
including special medical , dental ,
mental health developmental or
educational requirements . Ef MP
operates through three interrelated
components , identification and
enrollment assignment , coordinations
and family support , fleet and family
support programs also provide a
deployable workforce that supports
sailors who are underway with embedded
deployed resiliency , counselors and
prevention coordinators . Additionally ,
we provide on board deployment
trainings via our departure and
separation and return and reunion
programs which are conducted at the
beginning and end of deployments .
These programs and many more are
provided in person online by telephone
and on the My Navy Family mobile app
which provides a one stop shop for
obtaining information on services and
resources . Remember as you journey
through your Navy career fleet and
family support programs is with you
every step of the way .
A strong America is a force for good in
the world And the strength of our
military is paramount to that mission .
Wherever they go , the US O is there to
keep our service members connected to
everything that gives meaning to their
service , family , home and country .
The US O is trusted to support our
service members on all seven continents
with more than 200 locations home for
our troops is as close as the nearest
US O center or program . The US O
provides critical programming ,
connecting with service members and
their families . Millions of times each
year . From the moment they swear an
oath . New recruits are welcomed by the
US OS family of staff and volunteers .
I'm here to witness my son swearing in .
It's nice to have basically a liaison
to help people . So they aren't as
nervous of what their Children are
going to go through . Separation and
constant movement are an ever present
challenge for service members and their
loved ones . The US O keeps military
families strong , providing connection ,
home and events for families and
couples from the little Christmas
events for the kids or like we had a
date night . The US O has given us time ,
not only together , time with our
Children and things to do when troops
are deployed . The US O provides a home
away from home to help bridge the
distance on the front lines , a care
package , a phone call home , comfort
food , a familiar song or a moment to
relax can mean everything when their
military service to the nation is
complete . The US O connects
transitioning veterans with resources
in their new communities and helps them
plan for their next chapter . We spend
most of our time servicing the country
that when it's time to get out . We're
usually behind the curve a little the
US O is come in and kinda get us a leg
up on that transition so we can make
the best move into a second career .
We are the US O the force behind the
forces . Go to us
o.org to learn more .
Good morning and welcome to recruit
training command at naval station ,
Great Lakes , the quarter deck of the
navy . I am Rear Admiral Craig
Mattingly , commander of naval service
training command . I want to personally
welcome you to our navy family . What
an exciting day , family , friends and
shipmates . It is an honor to have you
with us as we celebrate the graduation
of our newest United States Navy
sailors . It seems just like yesterday ,
I was graduating boot camp and it meant
the world to me to have my family and
friends sitting in the audience just
like you . I want to take a moment to
thank you for playing a significant
role in the lives of these sailors .
Before you , your support , your
encouragement and your love helped them
reach this time honored tradition . As
we look upon these young women and men ,
we see a transformation that took place
over the past several weeks , they
endured rigorous physical and mental
training , pushing themselves to their
limits and beyond . They learned the
importance of teamwork , of discipline
and of dedication . They have become a
proud part of our tradition of
service to our nation . Each of these
new sailors will play a critical role
in fulfilling our navy's mission . They
will be stationed around the world ,
serving on ships , on submarines and
aircraft , protecting our nation and
our allies . Your sailor will make a
positive impact on the world . They
will be ambassadors of our country
representing the best of what America
has to offer . They will be leaders ,
they will be mentors and they will be
role models for others to follow . And
as we celebrate this graduation , let
us remember the sacrifices that were
made to get us here . Let us honor the
commitment and the dedication of these
new sailors and let us look forward to
the bright future that lies ahead ,
knowing that our nation is in great
hands . Thank you . Thank you for
playing a significant role in the lives
of these recruits . And I warmly
welcome you to our Navy family .
Enjoy the ceremony and celebrate your
sailor . Thank you .
Yes ,
state fire . Carry on
as the parade of graduates approaches ,
we salute the States and territories
whose sons and daughters will graduate
today .
Delaware . Yeah ,
New Jersey ,
Georgia , Connecticut ,
Massachusetts ,
Maryland , South
Carolina , New
Hampshire , Virginia ,
New York ,
Carolina . No ,
Vermont
Kentucky ,
Tennessee ,
Ohio ,
Louisiana . In , in
the uh Mississippi ,
Illinois ,
Albama . Me
Missouri ,
Arkansas , Michigan ,
Florida
with Con
California ,
Minnesota ,
Oregon ,
Kansas , West
Virginia , Nevada ,
Nebraska ,
Colorado , North
Dakota , South
Dakota , Monta
Washington . I don't .
Yeah . What do you mean ?
Utah ? Mhm .
Yeah , New Mexico ,
Arizona , Alaska ,
Hawaii district
of Columbia , Puerto
Rico . Why
American is some more ?
Northern Mariana Islands , us
Virgin Islands .
State flags , order
arms . Ok .
And now we invite you to join the staff
of recruit training command in
welcoming the graduating divisions with
Europe laws as they inter midway
Ceremonial Grow Hall and are announced
in the following
ladies as we today
please . 06
06 ,
division 069 ,
tear zero ,
vision , zero ,
zero .
Yes .
Ok . Ok .
Ladies and gentlemen , you may see it .
Thank you . Divisions , right .
Fish , section leaders fall
out and collect our guards .
Yeah .
What ? Oh ,
yeah ,
divisions , counter
March ,
divisions . Hall .
Hi
for
first and vote .
Yes .
So .
Ok .
May I have your attention , please ?
For the remainder of the review ? No ,
one will be permitted to patch . In
front of the review stand . And we ask
this as a courtesy to our reviewing
officer . Photography is certainly
encouraged , but we ask that you remain
seated and off the drill deck . The
photographers you will see on deck
throughout the review are the official
photographers of a crew training
command .
Bye ,
division command , left or right
face . Hooray ,
rest ,
ladies and gentlemen , good morning .
Hi , Lieutenant Josh Jones , recruit
training commands , drill division
officer . I would like to welcome you
to today's pass and review . Today you
will see six divisions comprised of 371
sailors participating in their
graduation ceremony and soon to join
the most powerful navy in the world .
Please draw your attention to the unit
positioned at center deck . There is
the review commander and staff . The
review commander is responsible for
conducting the graduation ceremony .
Today's review commander is seamen
recruit Alexis Ricky from Cro Wy
Washington . Let's give her a hand .
Folks
performing . Today is the staff unit on
their ninth week of training as well as
the state flags and the triple threat
units . On their sixth week of training .
These units are comprised entirely of
recruits during their night of arrival .
Recruits are placed into divisions of
88 personnel and assigned division
commanders , recruit , division
commanders form the backbone of recruit
training and are key individuals in the
life of every recruit . Division
commanders must serve as councilors ,
disciplinarians administrators and
military leaders . Above all they must
show themselves as outstanding examples
of military bearing , appearance ,
attitude and behavior . Each division
also has a recruit , chief petty
officer , this senior recruit
supervised the divisional staff
positions and leads the division in the
absence of their division commanders .
Now , ladies and gentlemen , it is my
pleasure to introduce the graduating
divisions , their division commanders
and recruit chief petty officers . As I
introduce each division , they will
raise the competitive flags they have
earned throughout their training . As I
introduce each recruit , chief petty
officer , the flag representing their
home state will also be raised . Please
hold your applause until all
introductions have been completed . I
will be starting from there , right ?
Division 067 ,
commanded by petty officer first class
Esteban Reyes Deli
Betty op first class Cherry
Very officer , second class Niele
Corsino Agramonte and the recruit
chief petty officer airman apprentice
Ethan Moore from Odessa Texas
division 068 ,
commanded by Chief petty officer Sidney
Gutierrez petty
officer first class Caro May Miguel
petty officer , first class era , not a
man . And the recruit chief petty
officer seaman Olivia Aaron from Los
Angeles , California
division 069 ,
commanded by Chief petty Officer
Tiffany Baker petty officer ,
first class Mario Reynoso Ramos
petty Officer , second class Marquel
Jordan and the recruit chief petty
officer Semen Luis Otto from Nogales
Arizona
division 070 ,
commanded by petty officer , first
class Eric Rau
petty officer , first class Randall
Truant petty officer ,
first class Dakota Saunders
and the recruit chief petty officer
airman Brian Knowles from Sacramento ,
California
division 071 ,
commanded by Chief petty Officer Daniel
Andrews petty officer ,
first class Jordan mock
petty officer , second class Russell
Love Mitchell and the recruit chief
petty officer Herman , apprentice
Jimena Vaasa Ruiz
from Dallas Texas
division 073 .
Yeah , commanded by Chief petty Officer
Nicholas Mann petty
officer , first class Benjamin page
Betty officer , first class John
mccormick , and the
recruit chief petty officer , Seaman
Salim Ari from Montgomery Village ,
Maryland . On
behalf of the commanding officer and
staff of recruit training command , we
congratulate these division commanders
and recruit chief petty officers on a
job well done
in a moment . You will see the
ceremonial side , boys , boats , women
and honor guard , take their places for
arrival honors this time . Honor
tradition is our formal greeting to
this morning's reviewing officer . When
requested by the announcement , please
stand for the arrival , honors marching
on of the colors , the national anthem
and the implication as a reminder ,
military guests shall remain covered
throughout the entire graduation
ceremony . And ladies and gentlemen ,
one final note as befitting the
importance of this occasion . Our
ceremony is conducted in a formal
manner . However , we do encourage to
participate in today's graduation
ceremony by letting your applause show
these sailors just how proud of them
you are . Once again . Welcome aboard .
Bye .
Will a guest , please rise and remain
standing for the arrival of the
official party .
Right . Warm out
recruit training command arriving .
Oh ,
I normally strike six Belt
naval service training command or ?
Right ?
Oh . Oh ,
the guest may be seen .
Good morning , Andrew . I go
stand by for inspection , sir .
And ok .
Ok . Thank you for your inspection
comment , sir .
Ok . Oh .
Oh , sorry .
Oh , hard . 3rd ,
3rd . What ?
Hi ,
cargo .
Will the guest please rise ,
priests and art .
Right .
And uh
auto are
retire ,
priest and arms
order arms
chaplain Joel will offer this morning's
invitation .
Good morning . Let us pray
gracious God . We thank you this
morning for . It is a morning of
celebration and great joy . It marks
the beginning of a new chapter in the
lives of the men and women in uniform
who stand before us . Some come from
families who were not sure what would
become of them . Often , parents and
grandparents and loved ones appeal to
only asking for guidance for their foot ,
shut steps and change in life direction .
Oh Lord , not only did you hear those
prayers but you answered ? And your
answer is marvelous and we humbly say
thank you . As these sailors depart the
gates of recruit training , command .
Please continue to lead and guide their
life's journey . Pair them with great
mentals and excellent leadership .
Remind them of the life lessons that
they learned in their homes and in this
place to put you first , in all that
they do to give their best in every
task set before them to choose . Right
over convenience . Never to give up in
the face of adversity , to stay
connected to their loved ones and their
beliefs , to choose their friends
wisely and to stay away from the world .
I'm proud , eternal God . Be present
with us this morning in these moments
of celebration , be our honored guest
here today . Thank you for all you have
done . Thank you for what you will do .
Allow these sailors to stay safe , be
strong and recovered and protected by
you in your mighty and wonderful name .
We do pray amy
time . I
want to
that
17 all
into the
to be
under the sea . Mhm
Our guest may be seated
at this point . The commanding officer
will issue orders and instructions to
the unit commanders . Then the unit
commanders put base about and relay the
information to their divisions .
Today's events show how orders are
passed through the chain of command .
30674 brother come on up
06 . So
069 , President California for third
3070 Hall Reservoir kind of Moreau
no ,
all the visits president , they are
the same free .
What ?
Ok .
Yeah ,
like you said the graduated divisions
request permission to commence the
review .
So
ok .
Yeah ,
all this .
So four skies
games are great payment for
down here . I just
yeah , it's
his brain . So
and my wood with
promise to sh Yeah .
Mhm 244 .
Also things
arrive
there that
God these great song
and like with
I see to shine
here .
Yeah .
Ok .
Yeah .
One
what ?
Oh ,
l oh
one point , sir . Very well . Ladies
and gentlemen . How about another round
of applause for those outstanding
performers ?
Good morning . I'm Commander Rick JCO ,
the executive officer here at Recruit
Training Command . On behalf of our
commanding officer , Captain Ken
Froberg , who's also watching online
today . I'd like to welcome all our
families and friends attending this
recruit graduation and those watching
live around the world . Joining us
today is our reviewing officer , Rear
Admiral Craig Mattingly Commander ,
naval service Training Command and our
guest of honor , Master , Chief Andy
Hotch Graver Command , master chief of
naval service training command . I
would also like to acknowledge the
staff from this week's fleet sponsor ,
unmanned undersea vehicle squatter .
One is sponsoring division 067 . Our
fleet sponsor program allows recruits
to connect with sailors from navy
commands around the world for valuable
mentoring and motivation while serving
here at recruit training camp . I would
also like to take a moment to welcome
our veterans here today and thank you
for your dedicated service to our
country . Would all of our veterans
please stand so we can all give you a
round of applause .
Finally , I'd like to take a moment to
introduce you the family and friends of
our new sailors here today and welcome
you to your new Navy family as you
reconnect with your sailor today and
navigate this new journey together we
invite you to learn more about your
resources here in Great Lakes and
around the world . Search the internet
for Navy bootcamp Navy family to learn
more . The outstanding staff of recruit
training command is committed to
providing the United States Navy with
basically trained , physically fit and
smartly disciplined sailors such as th
such as uh such as those standing here .
Today , these sailors before you have
successfully completed 10 rigorous
weeks of demanding recruit training and
they have earned the right to wear the
uniform recognized around the world as
a symbol of freedom . Today's graduates
serve as the bedrock of our naval
forces and will join other American
sailors around the world to defend
freedom and liberty against those who
would threaten . I can say with
absolute pride and certainty that this
training group is ready to graduate
today . Ladies and gentlemen , I
present to you 371 of the newest
and sharpest sailors in the United
States Navy
recruit training commands a competitive
system among individual recruits and
divisions promotes teamwork , attention
to detail and pride and accomplishment .
Divisions performing above standards
throughout their training are awarded
recognition flags in the five mission
areas , academic achievement , military
drill , compartment , readiness ,
applications , and visible fitness .
These flags are carried as a visible
symbol of the division six . Each flag
indicates that your sailors
individually and as teams met
performance standards and one or more
mission area events . A division that
exceeds basic requirements . In these
areas during their training qualifies
as a battle efficiency division . It is
awarded the battle flag and recognition
of their performance . Division
071 has earned this honor
today . Hold on .
Hello ,
rear end Oma will now present this
week's individual awards and he will be
joined on the drill deck by our
commanding officer commander Jar Code
and our guest of honor command . Mass
Chief O
Good morning , Brander Bar and Francis .
Hi , good morning for
achieving the highest overall academic
score during her crew training ,
fireman apprentice Jamie Hyde division
068 from Jesup Pennsylvania has earned
the academic excellence award which is
sponsored by the Fort Dearborn Chapter
of the Illinois Society of the Sons of
the American Revolution . Fireman
apprentice Hyde receives a letter of
commendation from the commanding
officer . Well done sailor .
Good morning . Good morning .
Congratulations .
Thank you , Admiral
Command Massachusetts .
Thank you Command Massachusets .
Good morning Mayor Herman apprentice
Marty reporting for having displayed
extraordinary qualities , best
expresses the American spirit of honor ,
initiative and loyalty ain apprentice
Devin Marty division 071 from Sparta .
Wisconsin is awarded the Navy League
Award which is sponsored by the Navy
League of the United States . Airman
apprentice Marty is presented with a
commemorative plaque and a letter of
commendation from the commanding
officer , well known sailor .
Good morning .
Thank you , admiral . Good morning ,
ma'am . S chief . Thank you ,
ma'am
the morning commander Steve and Prince
of Ramirez . Partying Steven
apprentice Alyssa Ramirez division 068
from El Paso Texas is the winner of the
United Service Organization Award for
best exemplifying the spirit and intent
of the word . And Steve an apprentice
Ramirez is given a commemorative plaque
from the United Service Organization .
Well done Sailor
More . Command , master chief .
Thank you , command , master chief
see Sydney Mitchell division 067 from
Tampa Florida is the recipient of the
Military Order of the World Wars Award
of merit . This award is presented for
meritorious performance during recruit
training . Seaman Mitchell is presented
with a commemorative platform for the
military order of the World Awards .
Well done sailor .
Good morning .
Thank you , admiral . Good morning
today , Master chief .
Thank you , command , Master chief ,
good morning , Commander Vin Youngquist .
Good morning . The Military
Officers Association Leadership Award
is presented to Airman West JST
division 067 from Holy Green , Kentucky
for demonstrating exceptional tenacity
and professionalism . Eman JST is
awarded a letter accommodation from our
planning officer . Well done sailor .
Good morning , Avril .
Thank you , admiral , good morning ,
command , Master Chief .
Thank you command , master chief .
Good morning Commander
Pero Mena Valenzuela Ruiz division 071
from Dallas Texas is the recipient of
the Navy Club of the United States of
America Military Excellence Award for
best exam , the qualities of enthusiasm ,
devotion to duty , military baron and
teamwork . This award places her at the
pinnacle of today's newest sailors .
She is awarded a flag letter
combination air an apprentice
Valenzuela Ruiz . The staff of recruit
training command salutes you as the
finest of this group of graduates .
Well done sailor .
Thank you . Morning command ,
Master chief . Thank you , Command ,
Master chief .
Ok .
I turned it is
appropriate to recognize such
outstanding individual accomplishments
by the sailors . With a round of three
cheers . The adjutant will lead all
graduating divisions and three cheers
for this morning's award winners .
Hey ,
ladies and gentlemen , I have the
distinct honor this morning of
introducing our reviewing officer .
Rear Admiral Craig T mat commander of
naval service training command , a
native of Austin Kentucky . He is a
graduate , a 1995 graduate of the US
Naval Academy and was designated as a
naval flight officer in 1997 . He has
served in several maritime patrol and
reconnaissance force operational
assignments throughout his career
including a tour as executive officer
and commanding officer of VP nine
Marine Corps Air Station , Koi Bay
Hawaii , Rear Admiral Mattingly's major
command tour was as commander of Patrol
and Reconnaissance Wing 11 naval air
station , Jacksonville , Florida .
During his tenure as Commodore Wing 11
supported global initiatives for
geographic combatant commanders around
the globe overseas . He served numerous
tours to include special assistant aide
de camp to the commander , naval forces ,
Europe and Africa commander , allied
Joint force command , Naples and entry
operations officer , Chief staff
Officer for Commander Task Force 72 in
Massawa , Japan . Additionally , he has
served as executive assistant to the
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for
operations plans and strategy . Prior
to his current duties , he served as
our senior military advisor to the
Secretary of the Navy . Ladies and
gentlemen , please join me in a warm
recruit training command . Welcome to
Rear Admiral .
Well , good morning , everyone . It's
such a pleasure to be in your presence .
This is America . This is before
you is America . Those in front of
you are wearing the cloth of our nation .
This is America . Other nations .
Look at America as the beacon of hope
for freedom and democracy around the
world . This , this
is America . Thank you so much for that
kind introduction , Rick . My mother
would have been so proud . My father
would have wondered who you were
talking about . Good morning to the
veterans . Good morning to the family
and friends that are here today to
witness the graduation of the 371
newest sailors in the United States
Navy . It is a great privilege again to
be here for this monumental event for
these 371 individual sailors ,
these new sailors into America's war ,
fighting Navy , our Navy , the most
powerful in the world . Before we
talk about these women and men before
us , I want to thank the family and the
friends who are present in person and
virtual and to Skipper Kroeber , you're
in good hands here with the XO leading
the charge . We miss your presence ,
but enjoy your time . With your family ,
for the families by showing up and
taking time to be part of the ceremony .
You are validating , you're validating
those you love that you support their
decision to serve in the United States
Navy by this unswerving support . You
are playing a vital role in our Navy
mission to deliver sustained and
credible combat power to preserve the
peace , respond in crisis and
win decisively in war .
Those who served or currently serve do
so because of your love , your
encouragement and your support to
affirm your role . I want to share my
personal connection to your experience .
Almost 36 years ago , I was graduating
boot camp . It was in Orlando , Florida .
It was where I went to be camp this day
isn't personal for me for two distinct
reasons . One , I get to reflect back
to my graduation from boot camp with my
parents and family in the stands . I
was so proud of what I was
accomplishing and I was a lady that my
family , my family was with me on this
big day and I felt that I had done
something beyond what I thought was
possible . And two , I connect with the
experience of each of these sailors
before us so much in store for each of
you . What you are about to embark upon
what you will accomplish as an
individual and collectively as a team ,
how you will shape our nation's future .
I'm excited beyond words for each of
you . So family and friends over the
past several weeks , you entrusted us
with the safety of your loved ones .
You supported your current recruit
throughout their journey . And now they
are sailors . One of those sailors that
is graduating today . You heard to
today sing Rayvon Owen ,
so proud of Rayvon . I I I'm thinking
about recycling him for another 10
weeks just so we can continue to hear
his wonderful music . Family says , no ,
it's ready for him to move on . But
just another perfect example of what
America is all about . And so now we
recruit , completed boot camp and
proudly stand before you to honor your
involvement in their lives . Thank you
for all you have done and will continue
to do to be a positive support network
for these sailors . I also want to
recognize the tireless professionalism
of the women and men of recruit
training , command or RT C . Over the
last several weeks , you have never
taken your eyes off the goal of getting
these young women and men to this day
ready to enter the fleet for the family
and friends who have likely received
letters from your sailors discussing
some aspects of what their time here
has been like . These days are long ,
the training is intense and difficult .
But every step of the way the recruit
division commanders and instructors are
right beside your loved one , building
confidence , providing mentorship and
offering guidance . This process
transforms recruits into the sailors
who proudly stand before you . These
are the sailors , these are the sailors
ready to join the fleet and operate as
a team to protect our United States of
America and defend our values and
interests through actions , guided by
our core values of honor , of courage
and of commitment . Because of RT C ,
the Red ropers , the instructors ,
these sailors before you are ready to
meet the demands of our navy .
I want to take the time to thank the
red ropers and the instructors . So
please join me in a round of applause
for all that they have done .
Also during today's graduation , I want
to take a moment to recognize someone
who does not want recognition but has
had a profound impact on not only the
RT C mission but the Navy mission .
Writ large that someone is Miss Mary
Blankenship .
So she's been the events coordinator
here at RT C since December of 2015 .
She also served her country wearing the
cloth of our nation honorably for 27
years in uniform from
E one to 05 E
1 to 5 sailors . That means that she
was one of you . And then she led you
as a human resource officer and then
she wasn't done yet and she came here
to RT C to boot camp to be part of your
continued journey throughout her
service . She was dedicated to helping
others . I talk about two things when I
go out into high schools and ROTC units
and colleges and universities . And
it's care and competency care is what
Mary does . Competency . She has the
highest levels of competency in
everything she touches since she has
came aboard RT C in December 15 . She
has coordinate 432
recruit graduation ceremonies ,
honoring more than 400,000 recruits
and their families and their families
were more than a million in attendance .
85,000 phone calls ,
400 senior level officer engagements to
serve as reviewing officers for these
ceremonies , Mary , these numbers are
staggering but even more astounding is
the level of care you have imparted
to each , each of these things .
We are better , we are better for
having served with you . And while
every recruit might not know you by
name , all 400,000 have felt your
impact , Mary . Thank you for all you
have done and I wish you nothing but
the best in all future endeavors . We
will miss you . Thank you .
Now for the stars of the show , the
Navy's newest sailors . You have done
something very special and today is
your day today . You have become part
of a legacy that goes back to the
founding of our nation's Navy . 247
248 years ago . You are now part of a
naval force that has protected our
nation throughout centuries by
operating around the world . We
are the nation's away game who
camp has demanded more from you than
you might have thought possible . Like
all the sailors that have gone before
you , you have met every challenge . We
see it in your performance . You pass
crucible offense such as battle
stations and have proven yourself
worthy of wearing the uniform that
symbolizes freedom , professionalism
and democracy across the world where
the plot of our nation with pride
today and in every day going forward ,
you made a choice , You made a choice
to serve our nation . You chose to be
part of something bigger than yourself .
You chose to be sailors .
Congratulations . Today is the day to
celebrate your accomplishments at boot
camp and reflect on and be excited for
your future . You're about to embark on
a challenging yet rewarding adventure .
You will serve on ships on submarines
and squadrons and units around the
world . You'll travel the world ,
you'll meet new people and friends .
You will be busy but do not forget to
call your mom .
This will , they will revel in your
triumphs along with you and be there
for you when you face challenges , keep
them involved and your life and service
will be richer for it . You are joining
our navy at an important time in
history . We are counting on each of
you . Our nation depends on the navy
that is ready to compete , fight and
win and wherever and whenever that is
needed . By graduating today , you are
taking on a piece of that
responsibility as sailors . You are the
most important asset . We have Admiral
PPAR commander of Pacific Fleet . A few
months ago was interviewed during an at
sea operation in the South China Sea by
CNN . And the question was asked to him ,
is it your hope that we , we will
defend the adversary if they decide
to invade a nation that is
democracy . And he looked at her and
said it is not my hope . It is my duty .
It is my duty , sailors . It is
our duty to protect democracy and
freedom . Continue to train hard to
be that competitive or finding
advantage . Be proud to call yourself a
sailor . You have earned not only my
respect but the respect and
appreciation of all Americans ,
especially those before you at this
moment , I will leave you with one
final thought something a great mentor
of mine shared with me years ago and I
strive to live by every day . And that
is this get up early , every
single day , work hard and do not go
to bed at night until you are smarter
than when you woke up and you have made
your world a better place . Bravo
Zulu shipmates well done . And let me
be the first to say welcome aboard .
Thank you .
What ?
Yeah ,
Rear Admiral Mattingly will now receive
the salute of the graduating divisions
and he will be joined on the drill deck
by our commanding officer . Commander
Jar Code . Please remain seated until
your graduates have been placed on
liberty . Yeah ,
please join me in one more round of
appreciation for our wonderful
musicians of Navy band . Great Lakes
flash post
section leaders fall out and retrieve
out of d
ladies and gentlemen , today is the
only day for access to the Navy
Exchange and photo pickup today . And
tomorrow you can pick up your sailor at
the Yorktown parking garage . Sailors
going on liberty without a vehicle are
to exit gate eight toward the train
station parking lot . Thanks again to
each and every one of you for joining
us on this most memorable of navy days
and without further delay . Now , hear
this liberty
f
Oh ,
ok .