Navy, St. Louis Send Off 54th Annual Cardinal Recruit Company

ST. LOUIS (NNS) -- Eighty-seven future Sailors took the oath of enlistment in a pregame ceremony at Bush Stadium Aug. 9. The 87 recruits make up the 54th Cardinal Company.

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk administered the oath of enlistment to America's newest Sailors.

"I am thrilled to be here. It truly is an honor to give the oath of enlistment to the 54th Cardinal Company," said Van Buskirk. "The Cardinal Company has a long tradition here. This truly makes it a great Navy day!"

Navy Recruiting District (NRD) St. Louis and the St. Louis Cardinals have worked with the U.S. Navy League St. Louis Council, which has sponsored the event since 1958. The recruit company is comprised of enlistees from Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and Kentucky. They will continue to train together as a division throughout their time at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

"I think this is a great opportunity for these future Sailors to start their Navy careers and to be a part of such a historic Saint Louis tradition," said Engineman 2nd Class Nathan Royalty, Navy Recruiter.

For the recruits the day began with a pre-event picnic gathering at 9:30 a.m. at the Soldier's Memorial and Eternal Flame Park. After watching the game, the recruits boarded busses and headed to Recruit Training Command.