 The commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a Marine. Their graduation from boot camp, approximately 40 weeks each year for the past 100 years, new Marines have departed San Diego for service with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the Recruit Depot is to provide basic training to recruits enlisted west of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our efforts here are geared toward one end, producing America's finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company B, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment will form in March in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduating Marines will return front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today's parade is comprised of Marines from the Recruit Training Regiment. The commander of troops is Captain Dustin P. Pavlik, Company Commander, Company B, First Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Captain Brock B. Yackey, Executive Officer, Company B, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. The marching units are now being called to attention and the adjutant's command, sound adjutants call, will begin today's parade. Marching in today's parade are 208 of the graduating Marines from Company B. Among the 208 Marines are two Marines who displayed outstanding performances in two individually-graded events. Private First Class Oswaldo F. Garmendes from Platoon 1023 is the company High Scooter, scoring a 338 out of 350. Private First Class Dustin S. Young from Platoon 1021 is the most physically fit Marine, scoring a 300 out of 300 on the physical fitness test and the combat fitness test. They will be receiving awards from the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. Present today is the Company Honor Graduate Recruiter, Staff Sergeant Gunner Bauer. Also present today is the primary marchmanship instructor with the Platoon High Shooting Average of 218 for Platoon 2121, Sergeant Spencer T. Lipscombe. Recruit Training is comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines who function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills, and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguish them as Marines. Examples of these traits are Discipline, the achievement of a state of discipline which assures respect for authority, instant and willing obedience to orders, and the self-reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a Marine. Military Bearing, consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. Esprit de corps, acquiring the common spirit of the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie, and the burning desire to work with and for others toward excellence in common goals. For 246 years, Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the nation calls. In the harshest conditions, over the most brutal terrain, and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity. Though battlefields change and capabilities evolve, history proves that true victory comes from the individual Marine which will resolve the drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, Semper Fidelis, to corps, country, and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat, forward deployed throughout the world confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. They are resolved to be most ready when the nation is least ready to defend freedom anytime and anywhere, to stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters, to pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy, and to honor the families and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company B, today marks the end of the 13-week recruit training cycle. They have marked countless miles at Camp Pendleton and on this parade deck, and have been trained, as are all Marines, as basic riflemen. In addition, due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival for the recruit depot. They are Marines, qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world's finest fighting organization. The platoons are now being aligned from left to right in order to get them into their exact positions for the parade. The next portion of the ceremony will be our national anthem. We welcome veterans and members of the armed forces to join us in rendering appropriate honors with the military salute. For guests who have not served in the military, it is proper etiquette during the national anthem to place their right hand over their hearts, and for those in the audience wearing headgear to remove it. Will the guests please rise for the presentation of the colors? Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. Thank you. Please be seated. Following the command, parade rest. The parade edged in will give the command sound off, which signals the band to parade forward of the assembled Marines while playing military marching music. The parade edged in now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. And Officer Center March, all unit commanders and guide-up errors, marks the front and center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point that commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this, the unit leaders would face about, return to their units, and pass the information along to their Marines. Throughout our nation's history, millions of men and women have earned the title United States Marine. Many who have helped shape our history join us here today. In keeping with the tradition of once a Marine, always a Marine, we would like to recognize them. At this time, those in the audience who have served as Marines, please rise. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for their dedicated service to corps and country. Thank you. Please be seated. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Rear Admiral Kerry Cash, chaplain of the Marine Corps. Welcome, Rear Admiral Cash. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for first recruit training battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Gregory A. Grayson. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of our commanding general, Brigadier General Morris, and the regimental commander, Colonel Jones, welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and the graduation ceremony for Bravo Company. I'd also like to extend a special welcome to today's parade reviewing official, Vice Admiral Kitchener, who currently serves as the commander for naval surface forces. Welcome, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, the purpose of today's ceremony is to recognize these new Marines and everything they've accomplished. Their journey began 13 long weeks ago when they stepped on the yellow footprints and committed to becoming Marines. They arrived as individuals, perhaps a little unsure of their decision, but stand before you as a confident team of smartly disciplined Marines. During the past three months, we developed their physical and mental toughness. They learned essential war fighting skills, and they proved themselves to be leaders of character. But most of all, they came to embrace our core values of honor, courage, and commitment with a clear understanding that being a Marine carries a special trust and confidence in the highest expectations of the American people. Now, as you might imagine, this awesome and very magical transformation, it didn't happen by itself, and I'd like to thank those who were involved. First, we recognize each Marine's journey started long before they got here. The foundation of their character started with you, in your homes, in your schools, in your communities. I want to thank all the parents, families, and friends, as well as teachers and coaches for everything you've done. I assure you that your love and your support was vital to their success. So thank you for your support, ladies and gentlemen. Now I'd like to turn your attention to the Marines wearing the distinctive campaign covers, our drill instructors. It's impossible for me to put into words their passion, work ethic, and commitment. From the moment a recruit arrives, there is a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have spent every waking hour teaching, training, mentoring, and leading these young men. Ladies and gentlemen, these drill instructors have made a tremendous and lasting impact on your loved one. And I'd be remiss if I didn't also recognize their spouses and their families who sacrificed equally for the benefit of your new Marine. So please join me for a well-deserved round of applause for the drill instructors and families of Bravo Company. Finally, I'd like to recognize our highly skilled marchmanship, martial arts, water survival, and academic instructors. Our incredible chaplain, corpsman, and entire medical team who do an amazing job at ensuring our physical, mental, and spiritual readiness. And of course, the dedicated recruiters who salt potential in your Marine. In fact, Sergeant Lipscomb is joining us from Weapons Field Training Battalion where he coached and trained the platoon who achieved the highest rifle range score in Staff Sergeant Bauer. He's joining us from Flagstaff, Arizona, where he recruited today's honor men. Job well done, gentlemen. Keep up the great work. Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll please excuse me, I'd like to address the new Marines one last time as their battalion commander. Good morning Marines! Hey Bravo Company, I know it seems like a lifetime ago when you were offered the challenge of becoming a Marine. When you arrived on your buses and stepped on the yellow footprints, graduation was the last thing on your mind. You're probably thinking, what have I gotten myself into and how do I get these guys to stop yelling at me? Well, you had a lot to learn and some very steep hills to climb, but you did it. You have rightfully earned the title Marine. Be proud of your accomplishment and the uniform you now wear. And finally, as I remarked on your first day of training, whether you serve for four years or 24 years, remember, it's not about you. It's about all the Marines who have gone before you whose legacy you are now a part of. It's about that Marine standing to your left and to your right. It's about all these people in the stands and this great nation which you swore to defend. So, serve with honor, serve with courage, and serve with commitment, and you'll do well. Congratulations again Marines on your tremendous achievement. Please take care of one another and remain Semper Fidelis. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you America's newest United States Marines. Now taking your position in the reviewing area is today's parade reviewing official Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener, Commander Naval Service Forces Pacific Fleet. He is accompanied by Brigadier General Jason L. Morris, Commanding General for Marine Corps Crute Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for honors and remain standing for the firing of the cannons in honor of Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener. Thank you. Please be seated. Vice Admiral Roy I. Kitchener, Commander Naval Service Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet. Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener is a native of Trumbull, Connecticut and a 1984 graduate of Unity College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He attended the Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and received his commission in 1985. He also attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he specialized in Western Hemisphere Studies and earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs. Vice Admiral Kitchener has served in a variety of challenging billets and numerous commands to include Division Officer, Abort USS Dewey, Operations and Training Officer for Special Boat Unit 26, Combat Systems and Weapons Officer Abort USS San Jacinto, Executive Officer Abort USS Cowpens, Commander Abort USS John Paul Jones, USS Higgins and USS Princeton, Combat Systems Instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School, Vice Commander of Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, and Commander at Naval Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Vice Admiral Kitchener currently serves as the Commander Naval Surface Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, three awards, Legion of Merit, five awards, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and various service and campaign awards. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener. More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 100 years and have departed San Diego for combat and conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Pusan, Inchon, Chosin Reservoir, Queson, Way City, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, Ramadi, Marjad, Sangen, and our most current operations worldwide. This parade is rich in history and tradition, and no Marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of Troops, Captain Dustin P. Padling, Company Commander, and the Regimental Staff. Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. Wing Band, San Diego, Purring Corps, Crudipo, San Diego, California, Series, 1021, Series Commander, Captain Corey A. Toot, 1021, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant Andaline A. Ramirez, Hunter Platoon, 1022, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant, Donald J. Vilcek, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant Kyle J. Vincent. The Regimental Color Guard is led by the Regimental Color Sergeant, Drone Instructor, Sergeant DeMarcus Hill. Purries, 1025, Series Commander, Captain Dayton B. Weatherby. Toot, 1025, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant Jesus G. Diaz. Platoon, 1026, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant Devonte E. Hall. Platoon, 1027, Senior Drone Instructor, Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Schwartz. Ladies and gentlemen, if you turn to page 21 of your graduation pamphlets, you will find the Marine Corps Hymn. The Marine's Hymn has a history dating back to 1859. It is a long-standing tradition for Marines to face the direction of the music and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all Marines present and who have served honorably, and ladies and gentlemen, you are all encouraged to join. Sing the words to the first verse as Marine Band, San Diego performs, anchors away, followed by the Marine's Hymn. Will the guests please rise? Please be seated. The Marine Corps' uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of, spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine, have been developed, nurtured and ingrained in recruits through their observance and relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the Corps. Each year recruit training provides thousands of America's finest young men and women with a basic knowledge and skills to function in a profession characterized by its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make Marines. The individual Marine is the Corps. That is what we do here. For the Marines graduating today, the long arduous journey of the last 13 weeks is but a small step into the future of the Marine Corps. As they prepare to fill the ranks of our Corps, they do so with unquestionable support for the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company B prepares for their final dismissal from boot camp today, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, they will report to the School of Infantry Camp Pendleton, California, where they will continue to be trained as served as an effective member of a Marine Rifle Squad. The intense initial training that every Marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a rifleman. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we would like to introduce to you the Marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The Company Commander is Captain Dustin P. Padling. The Company First Sergeant is First Sergeant Jason D. Brooks. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the Company Staff of Company B. The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the Guidons. Guidons have been carried by the platoons throughout recruit training and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carry such Guidons which identify the unit and are a source of pride to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these Guidons is bestowed upon those Marines who display outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character and were selected as the Platoon Honor graduates. The Platoon Honor graduates compete for the titles of series and company honor graduate. They're considered the top Marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine Corps. The Guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. Tuits will now be presented to play by the Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Grayson and the Battalion Sergeant Major Sergeant Major Reyes. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all honor graduates have been recognized. The honor graduate for Platoon 1,021 is Private First Class Laffy Fawalau Jr. from Oahu, Waianae, Hawaii. The honor graduate for platoon 1,022 is Private First Class Cadence J. Welch from Star, Idaho. The honor graduate for platoon 1,023 and the series honor graduate is Private First Class Arnold T. Motto from Fisher's, Indiana. The honor graduate for platoon 1,025 and the company honor graduate is Private First Class Andrew J. Winston from Payson, Arizona. Private First Class Winston is also the recipient of the Chessie Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The honor graduate for platoon 1,026 is Private First Class Jesus F. Gonzalez from Amarillo, Texas. And the honor graduate for platoon 1,027 is Private First Class Omar Solario from Pasadena, California. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor graduates of Company B. The Company First Sergeant will now give the command to the senior drill instructors to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say, this will be the most welcome command they have received throughout recruit training. This concludes today's ceremony.