Miami Native Becomes Member of Elite Navy Honor Guard

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

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

Seaman Rian Young, a 2023 American Heritage High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Young serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to support my family,” said Young.

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.

“Serving in the Navy has taught me that honesty is always important,” said Young.

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.

“What I like best about serving with the Ceremonial Guard is that I get to uphold a standard that less than 1% of people in the Navy get to do,” said Young.

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

“I am most proud of getting out of training and working my way to the top,” said Young.

As Young and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“For me, serving in the Navy means honor, courage and commitment,” added Young.