MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Mobile, Alabama, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman James Davis, a 2014 Faith Academy High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
"I joined the Navy to serve my country, to receive discipline and become a better person," said Davis.
Today, Davis 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.
"I like the brotherhood and the constant character building obstacles this command has for its service members," said Davis.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"I'm most proud of completing boot camp and also graduating here at the Cermonial Gaurd," said Davis.
As Davis and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving the Navy is a great honor being one of the few people in my family to even serve," added Davis. "It means alot to me because of the skills it has given me. Being older joining the Navy , there isn't much that i have learned life skill wise but being in the Navy has definitely sharpened life skills and actually made me better and more aware of my weaknesses. But for the sake of the question, I can tie a mean knot."