Just as twin sisters Asia and Tyanna Howard, 18, came into the world together, they also joined the Navy together, trained together in the same division, and finally graduated together June 19, at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes.

Though originally they were to be sworn in six months apart with Asia in August followed by Tyanna in February, their recruiter managed to have them ship to boot camp together in April.

While still in high school, the sisters realized there weren't many employment opportunities in their hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and decided to join the Navy.

"We didn't want to get stuck here in our hometown," said Tyanna. "We wanted to leave and to travel so we decided to join. At first our mother and grandmother were against it but once they saw we were taking action, they became more serious about it with us."

During their first week of in-processing, they shared a rack but were separated when they transferred to their permanent compartment. There, they quickly found the benefits of having one's sibling training with them.

"It's a good thing because everyone usually comes here alone and it's harder for them because they don't have family here, and I have my sister going through it with me," said Tyanna. "As we're going through the same things we'll look to one another to help each other out, and when we get homesick we talk to each other about home."

Throughout training, the sisters stayed well focused on their training while avoiding any conflict with their recruit division commanders (RDCs).

"They are the kind of recruits you hope for," said Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McCord, the lead recruit division commander for Asia and Tyanna's division. "They are the ones you don't even know exist and by that I mean they stay under the radar. They follow the rules, they fold everything right, they're capable, they're responsible, and they're where they need to be at the right time."

While all was well academically for them, they both struggled with the 1.5-mile run as part of the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). When it came time for the final test they found friendly motivation through a fellow recruit in their division.

"We were having trouble passing the run when one of our friends said, 'You know what? I'm not letting one of you graduate and one of you not graduate,'" said Asia. "So we both ran with her and we all crossed the line together."

Tyanna has learned from her experience and advises any incoming recruits to be sure they are in shape beforehand and quickly become accustomed to an early-morning wake-up routine to help them better adjust for the boot camp training hours.

"That was hard," said Tyanna. "On our first day here Asia woke up early and told me, 'Get out of your rack!' I think I woke up crying that morning. But towards the end you realize that boot camp really isn't that hard."

Asia found focusing on why they joined is what helped motivate them after first arriving to RTC and recommends to others to do likewise.

"My first day here I reluctant and questioned my reasons for joining, but if you just stay focused on your goals and what you're trying to accomplish in the long run, it will be much easier," said Asia.

Next up for the sisters is their follow-on training for culinary specialist that starts in Great Lakes and then onto Virginia. Eventually, they both realize they will ultimately be stationed apart.

"It's going to be hard but I believe it will be good to spend some time apart so we don't get too attached," said Tyanna. "We're always looking at one another when the other makes a mistake for assistance or confirmation that we're doing it correctly."

As an RDC, McCord said he sees the benefits and disadvantages of siblings training together.

"For some siblings that are incredibly close it would be detrimental because it wouldn't allow them to branch out and learn to adjust," McCord said. "The Navy is all about adjustment; we're constantly moving every two, three, or four years, and always learning from those experiences. But on the flipside, I think it can be a positive thing because it allows them to support each other. A certain level of stress can be easily overcome because they are familiar with one another, and together, they can exceed expectations."

Asia and Tyanna took advantage of the Navy's "Buddy" program, which allows individuals, including siblings, to enlist and remain together through boot camp.

For more information on the buddy system, or for more information on the joining the Navy, visit www.navy.com.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.