NRD Los Angeles Celebrates Lakewood Recruiting Station Opening

LAKEWOOD, Calif. (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles (NRD LA) celebrated the grand opening of its new Lakewood recruiting station with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Nov. 18.

Recruiters, future Sailors and staff members were on hand as the new Lakewood Joint Military Recruiting Station officially opened for business.

The Joint Military Recruiting Station houses Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force recruiters in one central location, making it easier for perspective applicants to visit each service to learn about opportunities to serve in the military.

Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Downey's Leading Petty Officer (LPO), Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Meafua Nuusila began the ceremony with an a cappella rendition of the National Anthem, and speeches by military and civilian dignitaries ensued.

"The city of Lakewood was started by veterans returning from the war, and it's fitting that [we] celebrate this grand opening a week after Veteran's Day," said Lakewood Vice Mayor Diane DuBois.

The new location on Woodruff Ave. was selected because of its central location which has helped increase walk-in traffic over the previous location.

"The difference has been night and day," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Jennifer Williams, NRS Lakewood's LPO. "This is a great location, being here will make reaching out to the community much easier."

"This is a great day for the Navy and the city of Lakewood," said NRD LA's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michelle D. Carter. "We're happy to be a part of this community, and we want everyone to know that we're open for business and the Navy is hiring."

Prior to the ribbon cutting, an Oath of Enlistment ceremony for the area's future service members was administered by Lt. Col. Angernette Coy-Coates, commander, 368th Recruiting Squadron, in Encino, Calif.

Closing out the day's festivities, a representative from each service participated in a cake-cutting ceremony, followed by tours of recruiting offices for future service members, their families and guests.

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrd-la/.