A native of Richmond, Virginia, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Airman Alphonso Gray, a 2023 Midlothian High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Gray serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
“I joined the Navy to better my life,” said Gray. “I also wanted to have the opportunity to travel around the world by visiting Navy ports all over the world.”
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.
