MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Rolesville, North Carolina, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Fireman Philip Duffield, a 2021 Rolesville High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Duffield serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
“I joined the Navy to explore the world and join my friends in the armed forces,” said Duffield.
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.
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.
“Serving in the Navy has taught me that hard work pays off,” said Duffield. “The harder you work and put your mind to what you do the greater the reward. The people you meet along the way will help you and guide you to success.”
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
“The best thing about serving with the Ceremonial Guard is the people I’ve met here, as well as the honor in what we do,” said Duffield. “Going to Arlington and paying our respects to our fallen shipmates carries a heavy burden on us all.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
“I’m most proud of being an honor graduate in the training here and getting my first coin from the executive officer,” said Duffield.
As Duffield and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is like joining a brotherhood you never have had before,” added Duffield. “You’ll meet people from all different walks of life and make bonds like nowhere else. Most of all, it’s serving my country in a time of need that brings a new pride to life.”