Blue Angels Sponsor Navy Recruits

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, attended the commissioning ceremony of Navy Recruit Division 940 - the squadron's first sponsored division of Navy recruits - at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Illinois, June 30.

The Recruit Division Sponsorship Program allows Navy commands to interact with recruits during training and take part in the "Sailorization" process of turning a person into a well-rounded member of the U.S. Navy - making civilians Sailors.

"By being here at RTC - the beginning of these Sailors' Navy experience - we get a firsthand opportunity to mold and mentor these young men and women who have chosen to come into the Navy," said Blue Angels Command Master Chief Karim Cole.

"Part of the Blue Angel mission is recruiting. Sponsoring a division allows our command to do more than just recruit and let go. Now we can integrate ourselves with recruits by mentoring and fostering them," he said.

During the commissioning ceremony, the Blue Angels presented Division 940 with their official guidon; a flag displaying the division's number and images that represent their sponsoring command. The commissioning ceremony marked the official start of the division's training.

Recruit Division 940 started the basic training process June 27 and is slated to graduate August 15. The division's Chief Recruit Division Commander, Chief Aviation Electronics Technician William Quillin, says Division 940 has started the process strong.

"Right now they're looking like a good division," said Quillin. "We've been able to get ahead on most things. They're understanding everything we put out and they're excited to be sponsored by the Blue Angels."

During RTC, recruits learn military fundamentals; including how to properly wear uniforms, maintain military bearing, and render military greetings. They also undergo intensive physical fitness training and classroom instruction and training on Naval history, seamanship, and 21st Century Sailor programs and initiatives.

With so much to learn in only eight weeks, Division 940 recruits are happy to know the Blue Angels are rooting for them.

"I watched the Blue Angels when I was growing up and when I lived in Pensacola, I'd go outside in the morning just to watch them fly," said Seaman Recruit Corilynn Hybart, a Defiance, Ohio, native. "So I was thrilled when I heard the Blue Angels are sponsoring our division. It's like a dream come true," said Hybart.

For some recruits, having the Blue Angels as a division sponsor provides them the motivation they need to get through boot camp.

"I feel way more confident. There's nothing stopping me now," said Seaman Recruit Kindall Craft., from Rochester, Mich.

For more information regarding the RTC Sponsorship Program, contact the RTC sponsorship coordinator at 847-688-4949 or the RTC public affairs office.