Enlisting in the military is a significant moment. No matter when, where, or how the ceremony is performed, it is a quick but life changing moment and is certain to remembered by any who raises their hand and makes a commitment to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

A select few made that very commitment, April 21 aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during an enlistment ceremony neither they nor the New Orleans public are soon to forget. Ten young men and women, enrolled in the Navy's Delayed Entry Program (DEP), were not only sworn into the Navy onboard an active Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, but their enlistment also took place during Navy Week New Orleans (NOLA).

Significantly increasing the "wow factor" was their enlisting officer is a one-star admiral. Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2), issued the oath of enlistment to the enlistees on Kearsarge's flight deck before their family, friends, and visitors who took a moment to pause from their tour of the ship to witness this time honored ceremony.

Skillman said to the newly enlisted recruits, "I want to thank you for joining our Navy. I'm excited that you have decided to become a part of our Navy family. We will work with you and train you to be the best Sailor you are capable of being."

Skillman added, "It's an exciting time to enter the Navy."

Navy Recruit Haley Rutledge, a Milton, Florida native, agreed with Skillman, but for her own reasons. Milton said it was an exciting time for her, not only because of the increased roles available to women or the various Sailor 2025 programs that enhance our Sailors and families careers and lives, but simply because the enlistment fulfilled her childhood dream.

"I have wanted to join the military since sixth grade," said Rutledge who will go on to join the Navy's law-enforcement force as a master-at-arms.

The special enlistment marked the first step in Rutledge's and nine others' journey tobecome a U.S. Navy Sailor. Although they completed the oath of enlistment, she and the others will not officially reach achieve the proud title of a U.S. Navy Sailor until completion of Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois. Until then, she and the others can still take pride in their title as a Navy Recruit as they are one step closer to joining the ranks of the most preeminent naval force the world has ever known.

Navy Week New Orleans provides an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's sea services.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/.