Seaman Recruit Michael Osborn, Division 187, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on June 16.

Osborn, of Shreveport, Louisiana, joined the Navy originally to have a more fulfilling career, to grow more as an individual, travel the world, and to serve alongside the best Sailors in the world. He selected the rate of Machinist Mate Submarine for the challenge, to earn his submarine warfare qualifications, and to be a part of a close-knit community.

Prior to enlisting, he graduated from Northwest Louisiana Technical College with an industrial instrumentation degree and worked as an instrument technician.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 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. Osborn is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"I just wanted to do my part to help my division in any way. It was a really surreal moment being told I was the No. 1 recruit of my graduating class as I knew there was some other deserving recruits in my division," said Osborn. "I want to thank my family for supporting my decision to join the world's finest Navy as well to my Recruit Division Commanders as I know I would not be receiving this award without their direction and mentorship."

After graduation, Osborn will attend Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut where he will receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of hydraulic power plants, hoists and cylinders, oxygen generators, atmosphere control equipment, refrigeration systems, emergency diesel engines, pressurized air systems, plumbing systems and submarine weapons and weapons delivery systems. He has a desire to specialize in weapons systems upon completion of school and assignment to his first submarine.

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.


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