Vice Adm. Robert Burke, the Navy's top personnel officer, visited Recruit Training Command (RTC) and served as the Pass-in-Review graduation ceremony reviewing officer where 1,071 recruits became Sailors today.

"You've chosen to serve your country at a time when it is most needed, and when America must show a strong presence throughout the world," Burke said. "You are more than a citizen now. You've taken on the responsibility of defending our nation, and have earned not only my respect, but that of a grateful nation."

As the chief of naval personnel, Burke answers to the Chief of Naval Operations on matters of the Navy's manpower readiness. He also serves as the deputy chief of naval operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education/N1) and oversees the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, Naval Education and Training Command, and Naval Service Training Command, which includes Recruit Training Command.

"No matter what happens from this day forward, you will be part of a very elite organization with a rich tradition that goes back even beyond the beginning of our great nation," Burke told the new Sailors. "Today, you wear the cloth of the nation, and because of that, you bear more responsibility. You will be respected for the uniform you wear. You will be credited for the work ethic, the intellect, the warrior spirit and the resourcefulness of those who have gone before you. And even after you leave the Navy, folks will have a certain expectation of what you bring to the table."

During the graduation ceremony, Burke also acknowledged the parents, families, friends and mentors of the recruits and thanked them for playing a role in their Sailor's development from civilians to Sailors.

"You have all played vital roles in these young men and women's lives, tirelessly supporting them and molding them into the people they have become today," Burke said. "What you will see going forward is an awakening within them, the empowerment of belonging to something larger than oneself, and the pride of knowing that they are part of an organization designed to make the world a better place."

While at RTC, Burke also visited USS Trayer (BST-21), a 210-foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer simulator and the site of "Battle Stations 21," which culminates recruits' eight weeks of training during boot camp.

All enlistees begin their careers at RTC Great Lakes, the Navy's only basic training location. While there, recruits receive instruction in physical fitness, seamanship, firearms familiarization, firefighting, shipboard damage control, Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. On average, RTC, graduates approximately 39,000 Sailors per year. Forty-eight graduations are held each year to celebrate the accomplishments of recruits who have completed all training requirements, officially becoming Sailors.

Today's graduation is available for rebroadcast at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/12/16/navy-recruit-graduation-december-16-2016/.

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