Seaman Recruit Zhizhang Xu, Division 349, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC) earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA), Nov. 3.

Xu, 27, who was born in Guangzhou, China before moving to Seattle with his family in 2008, has long wanted to join the U.S. Navy.

"When I grew up, I learned that the U.S. has the largest and most powerful Navy in the world," Xu said. "I wanted to have the best experience to be a U.S. Sailor and I can be proud of myself. Also, I wish my kids will be proud of their father one day. When they go to bed at night, there will be lots of Sailor stories for them."

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the number one recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed him at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Xu was also awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Xu, who has an associate degree in hotel management from Seattle Central College, said he became emotional when he learned of his selection for the MEA.

"I was more surprised than happy at the moment because I was not good at [speaking] since my first language is not English. However, the moment that [Senior Chief Petty Officer Steelworker Jared Nugent] came out from the board room and told me that I made it for the number one, I almost cried because that means a lot to me for my Navy journey."

Determined to prove himself to Nugent and fellow recruit division commanders (RDC) Engineman 1st Class Adalberto Bustamante and Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Danny Martinez was a motivating factor for Xu.

"I am happy and proud. It tells me that everything that my RDCs taught me is right and they never missed, and I proved to them that I can pay attention to details and follow instructions," said Xu. "Because I have the best RDCs and I have been giving my best to follow their instructions, I knew I would do a good job at the board meeting."

Xu said he's ready to build on the strong start to his Navy career.

"Winning the MEA means more than just graduating from boot camp to me," he said. "I know the ending of boot camp is just another beginning. The MEA will give me the faith that I can do more and better in my future."

After graduation, Xu will attend construction mechanic "A" school in Port Hueneme, California. Construction mechanics repair and maintain heavy construction and automotive equipment including, buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, rollers, cranes, backhoes, pile drivers, and tactical vehicles. They also prepare detailed maintenance records and cost control data and acquire parts.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

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