MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Tracy, California, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Honor Guard.
Seaman Jonah Gaviola, a 2018 One Harmony High School graduate, joined the Navy this year. Today, Gaviola serves as an U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
"I joined the Navy to take advantage of the opportunities the military has to offer," said Gaviola.
Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.
"I like that I am part of a small command where mostly everyone knows each other," said Gaviola. “We look out for one another.”
Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
Casket bearers carry the Navy's past service members to their resting ground. Whether it is in Arlington National Cemetery, or another veteran's cemetery. The firing party renders the 21 Gun Salute, the signature honor of military funerals, during every Navy Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Gaviola is most proud of passing ceremonial guardsman training.
"I’m most proud of completing my training and working my way to drill team here at the Ceremonial Guard," said Gaviola.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gaviola, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"It's humbling to serve my country and make my family proud," added Gaviola.
Seaman Jonah Gaviola, a 2018 One Harmony High School graduate, joined the Navy this year. Today, Gaviola serves as an U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
"I joined the Navy to take advantage of the opportunities the military has to offer," said Gaviola.
Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.
"I like that I am part of a small command where mostly everyone knows each other," said Gaviola. “We look out for one another.”
Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
Casket bearers carry the Navy's past service members to their resting ground. Whether it is in Arlington National Cemetery, or another veteran's cemetery. The firing party renders the 21 Gun Salute, the signature honor of military funerals, during every Navy Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Gaviola is most proud of passing ceremonial guardsman training.
"I’m most proud of completing my training and working my way to drill team here at the Ceremonial Guard," said Gaviola.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gaviola, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"It's humbling to serve my country and make my family proud," added Gaviola.