Shares

A Houston native recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Airman Rudolph Anderson, a 2018 Elkins High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, he serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to make a better life for myself,” said Anderson.

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.

RELATED:

Fort Bend ISD Travis HS student selected for elite U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy

With Honor: Houston native part of U.S. Navy’s ‘Silent Service’

PHOTOS: Blue Angels visit kids with cancer at Texas Children’s Hospital

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.

[SCROLL BREAK!!! Bayou Beat News can also be found in PRINT at a store near you. Click the link below to check out our E-Edition!]

“I enjoy serving at my current command because of the ability to participate in ceremonies in the nation’s capitol,” said Anderson. “I am most proud of going to college and graduating boot camp.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Anderson, as well as other sailors, know they are part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Being in the Navy means better opportunities and the ability to serve my country,” added Anderson.