It was one of the happiest days of boot camp for 677 recruits at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Feb. 10 -- a day they participated in their pass-in-review (PIR) and became basically trained Sailors.

A graduate from RTC 34 years ago, Capt. Mark Meskimen, now commanding officer of Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes, spoke to the recruits about what lies ahead in their Navy careers.

"I will tell you, there is limitless potential in our Navy," he said. "One of you may very well be a future master chief petty officer of the Navy, or a future commanding officer of Recruit Training Command, or maybe even a future chief of naval operations. Your future is unlimited. Do the right thing every day to the best of your ability and opportunities will come to you. Take advantage of those opportunities."

Meskimen served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony and presented awards to the top Sailors during the PIR. Afterward, he presented the Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award recipient, Seaman Recruit Joel Weska, with a challenge coin and a gold watch.

Before letting the new Sailors join their families for liberty, Meskimen met individually with six Sailors who also earned awards during their time in boot camp to congratulate them on their accomplishments and remind them to never forget the lessons learned during boot camp.

"Each of you has selflessly answered the call to duty, to serve a cause greater than yourselves," he said. "You have passed every test, triumphed over every challenge, and proven yourselves worthy of wearing the uniform that symbolizes freedom throughout the world -- the uniform of the United States Navy."

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