Chiefland Native Becomes Member of Elite Navy Honor Guard

MILLINGTON, Tenn. ‒ A native of Chiefland, Florida, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Airman Robert Sweat, a 2019 Chiefland High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Sweat serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to travel and make a better career for myself,” said Sweat. “I've learned to take pride in what I do and to have attention to detail.”

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, Ill. 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

“The best thing about this command is the places I get to go, and all the people I have met here,” said Sweat. “Also, serving here gives me a sense of pride for the things that I do.”

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

“I am most proud of graduating boot camp and completing the Ceremonial Guard training,” said Sweat.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Sweat, as well as other sailors, know they are part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.

“To me, serving in the Navy means making myself a better person, serving my country and supporting my family,” added Sweat.

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