Millington, Tenn. - A native of Madison, Wisconsin, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Hospitalman Timothy Bradt, a 2019 Madison West High School graduate and a 2022 Madison Area Technical College graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Bradt serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
"I joined to restart my family’s history in the Navy and to find excitement in the world outside of the places I have lived," said Bradt.
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.
"The best thing about serving at my current command is the closeness of everyone here," said Bradt. "We are all each other’s family away from home and care for each other like we are family."
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.
"During my time in the Navy, I have learned that you can always work harder and do better than you think you can," said Bradit. "Our limits are all mental and surrounding yourself with others that have the same goals as you is a powerful tool."
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"I am most proud of finishing in the top 3% of my class in boot camp and earning the label, 'Super Sailor,'" said Bradt. "I am also proud of how fast I completed the initial training of the Ceremonial Guard and finishing as an 'Honor Grad.'"
As Bradt and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"To me, serving in the Navy means that I am a leader and protector of the American people," added Bradt. "It also means that I represent the United States on both a foreign and domestic front."