The US Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, part of the Honor Guard, performing at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.
History of the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard The Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard was established at the request of President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Prior to that, the Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, was responsible for supplying a recruit platoon to fulfill Coast Guard commitments in national ceremonies. This not only proved expensive but the recruits lacked essential experience and performance skills. On March 5,1962, Admiral Alfred C. Richmond, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, established the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard performs in ceremonies for the Commandant, the Military District of Washington (MDW), and the Naval District of Washington (NDW). Ceremonies can include participating in parades and funerals, representing the Coast Guard at White House dignitary arrivals, and presenting colors at local and official functions. Its members take part in both joint service activities and Coast Guard functions. The Honor Guard performs in over 1100 ceremonies annually. It comprises 63 members, with a Lieutenant (O-3) serving as the Officer in Charge, two Junior Officers (usually O-2 or O-3) serving as Operations Officer and Training Officer, respectively, a Chief Petty Officer (E-7) as the Honor Guard Chief/Chief Master at Arms, and four Petty Officers (ranging from E-4 to E-6). The remaining 55 members of the Honor Guard are “first-tour” non-rates (E-3) who come directly out of Training Center Cape May. The officers and non-rates serve a two-year tour of duty in the Honor Guard, while the Chief Petty Officer and Petty Officers serve four-year tours.
Size: 3370px × 5074px
Location: Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC, USA
Photo credit: © Blakeley / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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