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 Jacob Bayton, a 2025 Klein Oak High School graduate, joined the Navy four months ago. Today, Bayton serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
“I joined the Navy to have a stable income,” Bayton said.
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.
“I like how different and rare this opportunity of work is,” Bayton said.
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 Navy means to me a sense of pride,” Bayton said.
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.
“Passing my training to become a Ceremonial Guardsman is my proudest accomplishment,” Bayton said.
As Bayton and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Everything takes time, and you have to be willing to put in work to have a good outcome,” Bayton added.