Sailors, Marines, military spouses, and civilians working with the Department of Defense received recognition for their academic achievements in a ceremony held on June 8th.

The Navy College Office sponsored the 4th Annual Academic Military Recognition Ceremony at Naval Base San Diego on Friday, where more than 150 honorees gathered for the event. The ceremony did more than just highlight each honoree’s accomplishments, but also provided an opportunity for family and friends to witness as the graduates received their degrees and certificates.

Raymond Sayre, director of the Navy College Office, shared: “It’s fantastic… We have all our young people – both active duty and civilians – receiving these degrees and certificates of various levels in everything ranging from economics to zoology. For these individuals, this is the end of a long, hard studying period.”

Capt. Winton Smith, commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego, on the other hand, said: “These graduates, by achieving these milestones, answer the call of readiness… When you earn an advanced degree, you’re excelling and preparing yourself and your family for what may come in the future.”

The accomplishments of the honorees are in keeping with the objectives and policies of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, which was announced by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

Among those who were recognized on Friday was Operations Specialist 1st Class Lorne Richardson, who shared: “Accomplishing this feels exhilarating… It was a struggle within itself. It’s like learning to swim, you just have to jump in and do it. When you find yourself in the open waters, you realize it’s ok and you will float.”