MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Memphis, Tennessee, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Seaman Namor Robinson, a 2016 Cordova High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Additionally, Robinson graduated from Lecole Culinaire School in 2018 with a degree in Business Management And Food Service.
"I joined the Navy to become a better version of myself," said Robinson. "I wanted to keep my promise to my mom and make her proud."
Today, Robinson serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
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.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
"Being of service and representing the Navy, every time I put on my uniform, I am constantly reminded of why I joined," said Robinson. I feel very proud."
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"I'm most proud of graduating college and getting selected to become a ceremonial guardsman," said Robinson.
As Robinson and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy means everything to me," added Robinson. "I finally stand for and behind something bigger than me while making active change and a difference. I've learned that you have to be willing and strong to go through these vigorous obstacles in life. I believe in failing forward and being the best version of you, you don't go to grow, you grow to go. You keep the faith and that fire in your heart alive and set it ablaze."