Millington, Tenn. - A native of Spring, Texas, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Airman Traveon Carter, a 2021 Klein Collins High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Carter serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
"I joined the Navy to better my career and to grow physically and mentally," said Carter.
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.
"My favorite part of my job is giving honors to fallen shipmates and their loved ones," said Carter.
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.
"What I’ve learned from serving in the military so far is that you need a lot of motivation, determination and attention to detail," said Carter. "All of these things are determined by you and these values hold you accountable to ready at any time."
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.
"The accomplishments I'm most proud of are graduating training and going from the rank of E-1 to E-3," said Carter.
As Carter and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy means I can give back to my country and carry on a long military tradition," added Carter.