A Houston native recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Seaman Tamia Morris, a 2022 Manvel High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to become a police officer and make an impact in the law enforcement career field, connecting with diverse backgrounds and establishing discipline,” said Morris. “I also wanted to travel and pay for my education.”

Today, Morris serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“While serving, I’ve learned that without failure you can’t succeed,” said Morris. “I’ve learned how to persevere and endure and believe more in my abilities in adapting and working together as one with my shipmates.”

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand-selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.

“What I like most about serving with the Ceremonial Guard is that we are all one,” said Morris. “We stand tall and stand proud and we stand together, being in the right uniform at the right time, ready to succeed in our daily duties at hand and overall.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“I’m really proud to see my mental and physical growth and how far I’ve come,” said Morris. “I’m growing in accomplishments and in mistakes. That’s leading me into success for now and in the future.”

As Morris and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means living by our three core values,” added Morris. “As a sailor, it is important to build, retain and display honor, courage and commitment in all that we do and who we are as U.S Navy sailors.” 

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