UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY --
Annapolis, Md. -- Marines with Marine Barracks Washington D.C.
teamed up with their Navy counterparts in support of numerous events during the
United States Naval Academy Commissioning Week, Annapolis, Md., May 19-26,
2017.
Commissioning Week is a time for family and friends to
attend a series of events which honor the first class midshipmen upon
completion of their four years at the Naval Academy. These events include: the
Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, Color Parade, special award ceremonies, and
musical performances.
One of the first events was a performance by the United
States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment. The 130 Marines traveled to the
Naval Academy to perform their sequence of musical ballads and ceremonial
marching to the hundreds who gathered in attendance.
With highly anticipated events such as the Battle Color
Ceremony taking place, the week presented a much larger influx of traffic
flowing on and off of the Yard, requiring heightened security measures.
Marines with Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, were
invited to the Academy to support the Navy team in strengthening the security posture
throughout the base.
While on post, the Guard Marines worked alongside their Navy
counterparts to conduct vehicle inspections, ID checks, and numerous other
duties to ensure the utmost safety.
“We get to build relationships with our brothers-in-arms-
and see the way they do things,” said Cpl. Austin Aldrich, section leader,
Guard Co., Marine Barracks. “It’s great to be able to come out and provide
security and feel really appreciated by the alumni and staff who have worked
here for years.”
Supporting this event provided an opportunity for the
Marines to shift from their normal operational tempo at the Barracks to adapt
to a new environment and work under a naval command.
“Dealing with the large crowds here has helped us learn some
new strategies and techniques to take away from this so it has been an awesome
experience,” said Aldrich.
This task would ultimately become a learning experience for
not only the Marines, but the Navy personnel as well.
“Having the Marines out for Commissioning Week brings a new
set of eyes in a way that helps us to see other security measures that are
proven effective and how we can implement them into our mission,” said Navy Capt.
Vince Baker, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Annapolis.
The Guard Marines brought forth a high set of standards that
would make way for future corroboration between the two entities.
Baker stated the Guard Marines contributed greatly by setting
an example for the Navy personnel in a manner that demonstrated a strong
emphasis on military bearing and customer service.
The Navy-Marine Corps team is an essential asset to our
nation’s security. The teamwork and training gained from working together will
continue.
“It has been fantastic working with the Marines this week,”
said Baker. “We wanted to create a ceremonial atmosphere and the Marines did
just that. We look forward to working with them in the future.”