 had been stationed at the recruit depot since 1921, when most of the buildings were of Sergeant Johnny R. Mamalito Sr., one of the original 20, here aboard the depot in 1942. Sergeant Mamalito helped create the code that the Navajos developed in Camp Elliot, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor teaching other Navajo Marines the Navajo Code. Later, Sergeant Mamalito participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima, where a Marine Signals Officer stated, had it not been for the code-talkers, we would have never taken Iwo Jima. Corporal Manning continues the tradition of a long line of Marine Corps Bulldog mascots dating back to 1921, when Brigadier General Smedley Butler appointed Sergeant Major Jigs as the first Bulldog mascot for Marine Corps Barracks Quantico. He's being escorted by the Office of Communication Strategy and Operations, Corporal Max J. Noel, and plays an important part in the making of United States Marine. Lieutenant Commander Ulysses L. Ubalde, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Let me pray. Father, we ask for your blessing on all Marines here and upon the departed who guard the streets of heaven. Today is a special day in the life of these new United States Marines. As they graduate, we pray that they would be strong and courageous, believing that you have called them and are always with them. We ask that they would be bold to stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone. Equip them for every purpose and journey you have in store, so that they would live as mighty warriors in this life for your purposes. We pray that when they encounter various struggles and difficult times, when they experience loss and things that go their way, that you would teach them greater perseverance through it all. Build deeper character, strong faith, and use any hardship in their lives for ultimate good, turning it around for blessing instead. We ask for your powerful boldness and courage to face every challenge set before them with a confidence and peace that can only come from you. Rise up greatness within their lives, greatness in this generation. May they be willing to stand strong and true, passionate for you, believing that you have designed them for purpose and good works which you have planned and prepared in advance for them to do. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. And may the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. The Commanding General, Marine Corps. D. Ho. San Diego welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a Marine. After 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 inferture are geared toward one end, producing America's finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company E, Second Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment will form and march in the parade. Following the pass from review, the graduating Marines will return front and center of the review stand for final dismissal. The staff for today's parade is comprised of Marines from the Recruit Training Regiment. The Commander of Troops is Gunnery Sergeant Matthew R. Burns, Company First Sergeant, Company E, Second Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Sergeant Kyle D. Stanich, Drill Instructor, Company E, Second Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. The marching units are now being called to attention and the adjutant's command, sound adjutant's call, will begin today's parade. It are 467 of the graduating Marines from Company E. Among the 467 Marines are two Marines who displayed outstanding performances in two individually graded events. Private Jake R. Collins from Platoon 2115 is the Company High Shooter scoring a 344 out of 350. Private First Class Eduardo Torres Martinez from Platoon 2115 is the most physically fit Marine scoring a 295 out of 300 on the physical fitness test and a 300 out of 300 on the combat fitness test. They'll be receiving awards from the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. Present today is the Company Honor Graduates Recruiter, Sergeant Staff Sergeant Anthony Kessley. Also present is the primary marksmanship instructor with a Platoon High Shooting Average of 222 out of 250 for Platoon 2111, Sergeant William R. Culmerauer. He 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 accept a Marine. Very 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 with steel resolve, the drive to overcome any obstacle, and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, sempervadellis, decor, country, and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat, for deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. Their resolve to be most ready when the nation is least ready, to defend freedom any time 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 E, today marks the end of the 13-week recruit training cycle. They have marched 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 aboard the Ruger 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? Our national anthem, please be seated. Following the command, parade rest, the parade adjutant will give the command sound off, which signals the band to parade forward of the assembled Marines while playing military marching music. The parade adjutant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. Sir Center March, all unit commanders and guide-on-bearers march to 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 with help 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. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for second recruit training battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James R. Smith. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Brigadier General Jason L. Morris, the commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in the Western Recruiting Region, as well as on behalf of Colonel Joseph W. Jones, the commanding officer of the Recruit Training Regiment, welcome to the graduation of Company E. I'd like to begin today by recognizing a few groups vital to our mission accomplishment. First and foremost, to you, the friends and families of these new Marines. Thank you for your love and support on their journey to this momentous day. You laid the foundation, which allowed them to take the initial steps towards becoming a Marine. Your love and support sustained them during their training here and will continue to be a source of strength in their new vocation. Welcome to the Marine Corps family. To the friends, excuse me, to the families of the Company E. Staff, seated to the right of the reviewing stand, no one knows more than you the time and dedication it takes to transform a civilian into a Marine. Sergeant Major and I are deeply grateful for your sacrifice and your support, which enables these drill instructors and officers to perform this critical task. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for the families of the Empire. I'd like to recognize today's parade reviewing official, Master Gunner-Sherron Corrus, whose impressive bio you will hear shortly and who currently serves as the training team chief of the 8th Marine Corps Recruiting District. Master Gunner-Sherron, it's an honor to have you. Thank you for joining us today. You know, making Marines is truly a team effort and at the forefront of that effort are Marine recruiters stationed across this great country. These men and women work tirelessly to identify, educate, and inspire the next generation of Marines. This Legion of Recruiters is represented today by Staff Sergeant Kessley from recruiting substation, Katie, Texas, who's responsible for guiding the Company undergraduate, Lance Corporal Fuentes, into our Corps. Our other partner in this endeavor are the instructors at Weapons Field Training Battalion who teach the critical combat skills necessary to fight and win in any climb and place. They are represented by Sergeant Colmerauer, the primary marksmanship instructor for the Company's high shooter, Private Collins. Ladies and gentlemen, round of applause for our recruiters and our combat instructors. Well done, Marines. The last group I'd like to recognize certainly need no introduction for everyone knows the distinct campaign cover of a legendary Marine Corps drill instructor. And from the moment your recruiter arrives, there's a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week tirelessly instilling the qualities and a spree to core of a United States Marine and leaving an indelible mark on those they lead. Trust me, your Marine will never forget the name, the face, or that gentle loving voice of their drill instructors. These Marines behind me are on average 19-year-old high school graduates and three have college degrees. They come to us from every state and territory in the Western recruiting region and nine countries around the world, as far away as Vietnam, American Samoa, and Columbia. And when they raise their right hand and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, they differentiated themselves from 99 percent of their peers. Upon arrival here, these drill instructors forged them in the fires of martial discipline, honing their minds and their bodies in the mold of generations of Marines who have worn our cloth. They proved themselves capable of carrying heavy loads, long distances over rugged mountainous terrain with minimal food and sleep to be where they're needed, when they're needed to accomplish any mission. You may have noticed some change in your new Marine. They stand a little taller, look a little leaner, sporting outstanding Marine Corps haircut. And moms and dads, I guarantee they know how to make their beds. But the truly important change is the one that's taken place within. For they've been immersed in our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. And by virtue of standing here today, they've embraced them as their own. And it is because of this, because of the journey they've undergone, because the moral, mental, and physical development that they have displayed that I am pleased to present 467 young men who can forever proudly claim the title United States Marine. And if you'd excuse me, I'd like to address the nation's newest Marines. Good morning Marines. Sergeant Major and I are incredibly proud of you. We've watched you learn, strive, and grow these past months, and we are pleased to welcome you to our ranks. When you stood on our yellow footprints, you affirmed a commitment of selfless service to our core. These drill instructors fanned a flame inside of you, and now we trust you will keep it burning bright. You can be justifiably proud of what you've accomplished here. You earned your tan belt in our martial arts program. Some of you learned to swim for the first time in our water survival training, and many overcame a fear of heights on our obstacles in our confidence course. You learned weapons employment to deliver precision fires on targets of a staggering distance of 500 yards. And in a final test, you completed the grueling crucible where you displayed exemplary character, physical and mental toughness, the ability to decide, act, and communicate leadership and a warfighter spirit. And every Marine past and present expects you to display those attributes in your future trials. And so having completed the most grueling recruit training on this globe, you stand ready to carry on our Marine Corps tradition as America's naval expeditionary force and readiness. As you go forward on the next leg of your journey, I implore you be safe, be smart, and make good decisions. Remember that Eagle Globe and Anchor pressed into the palm of your hand to top the Reaper represents 246 years of Marines who have come before you. You must always be worthy of that legacy and protect what you have earned. So on behalf of the Marines, sailors and civilians here aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, let me offer you a traditional naval parting of fair winds and following seas. Congratulations Marines. Semper Fidelis, welcome to the Corps. The position in the reviewing area is today's Parade Reviewing Official, Master Gunnery Sergeant Andrew Corris, Training Team Chief, 8th Marine Corps District. He is accompanied by Sergeant Major Christy Valdez, Sergeant Major, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Master Gunnery Sergeant Chief, 8th Marine Corps District. Master Gunnery Sergeant Corris enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 1993 and underwent recruit training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Charlie Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. After completion of Marine Combat Training, he attended MOS School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon graduation, he was designated an 011 Administrative Specialist. Master Gunnery Sergeant Corris has served in a variety of challenging billets in numerous commands to include, canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation DuPage South, Illinois, staff non-commission officer in charge at Recruiting Substation DuPage North, Illinois, instructor for the Basic Recruiter School Marine Corps Recruiting School San Diego, California, operations chief for Recruiting Station Chicago and Marine Corps District, training chief for the Western Recruiting Region, and chief instructor at Marine Corps Recruiting School Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Master Gunnery Sergeant Corris currently serves as the training team chief for the 8th Marine Corps District, Fort Worth, Texas. Master Gunnery Sergeant Corris' personal awards include the Meritory Service Medal with three gold stars and Louis IV Award, the Navy Emering Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars and Louis III Award, and the Navy Emering Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars and Louis III Award. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Master Gunnery Sergeant Andrew Corris, who has completed their recruit training 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, Husson, Inchon, Chosen Reservoir, Quezon, Hue City, Lebanon, Granada, Kuwait, Somalia, Volusia, Ramadi, Marja, Sangen, and our most current operations worldwide. This parade deck is rich in history and tradition, and no marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. Sergeant Parker Shortle, Chief Dr. and Dr. Staff Sergeant Carlos A. Nunez, your graduation pamphlets, you will find the Marines Hymn. The Marines 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 of the first verse as Marine Ben San Diego performs, anchors away, followed by the Marines Hymn. Will the guests each year recruit training provides thousands of America's finest young men and women with a basic knowledge and skills and 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 E compares for their final dismissal from boot camp today, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, 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 Garrett A. Buck. The company first sergeant is Gunnery Sergeant Matthew R. Burns. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company E. The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring. The guidons for crew training and are being retired to symbolize very such guidons which identify the pride to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these guidons bestowed upon those Marines who displayed 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 are considered the top Marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marines. We'll now be returned to the drill instructors. I'll be presented a plaque by the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Smith and the battalion Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major Valdez. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all honor graduates have been recognized. The honor graduate for Platoon 2,109 is private first class Joel J. Villarreal from New Braunfels, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 2,110 and the series honor graduate is private first class Joel R. Fussell from Valberg. The honor graduate for Platoon 2,111 is private first class Karen L. Parks from St. Louis, Missouri. The honor graduate for Platoon 2,113 is private first class Kevin Nguyen from Houston, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 2,114 and the company honor graduate is Lance Corporal Tomas A. Fuentes Malta from Katie, Texas. Lance Corporal Fuentes Malta is also the recipient of the Chesky Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. And the honor graduate for Platoon 2,115 is private first class Jensen L. Caleb from Round Rock, Texas. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor graduates of Company E. 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.