Seaman Recruit Joshua Boles, Division 204, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on June 30.

Boles, of McCalla, Alabama, joined the Navy to challenge himself and give back to the country that gave him the opportunity to protect and serve his fellow Americans. He became interested in the Submarine Electronics Computer Field, after researching the Navy website, and wants to be a part of a close-knit group of sailors and earn his submarine warfare qualification, known as "dolphins."

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. Boles will be awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"I just wanted to be part of the best division in the training group and I worked my hardest for my shipmates and Recruit Division Commanders," said Boles. "I was stunned when I was told that I was the top recruit of the graduating class. Without the help and instruction of my RDCs and fellow recruits, I would not be able to represent my division as the top recruit."

After graduation, Boles will attend Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. The Navy's SECF offers extensive training in the operation and maintenance of today's high technology advanced electronics equipment, digital systems and computers used in submarine combat control, sonar, navigation and communications systems. After completion of SECF schooling, he will then go to Submarine "C" School for communications to get training that is more precise for his rate. Boles desire to be assigned to his first submarine in San Diego, California.

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