Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, attended five events during Navy Recruit Division 267's graduation week at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Ill., Aug. 8-14.

The Blue Angels sponsored Navy Recruit Division 267 as part of the Navy's Recruit Division Sponsorship Program. The program allows Navy commands to interact with recruits during training and take part in the "Sailorization" process of turning civilians into well-rounded members of the U.S. Navy.

The events Blue Angels team members participated in throughout the week included the Captain's Cup, the division's pride run, a pizza party, and graduation.

"The best part of Captain's Cup was that it brought our division even closer together," said Seaman Recruit Marcella Garrett. "We worked together to push through these last few weeks, getting us to this point, and one step closer to the next part in our naval careers."

Eight recruit divisions competed in 10 events at Captain's Cup. The challenges required the recruits to put their skills to the test for the opportunity to win the Captain's Cup trophy and a chance to display the Captain's Cup flag during pass-in-review at graduation.

Division 267 placed first over all other integrated divisions.

"Having the Blue Angels supporting them, cheering them on, definitely made a difference," said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 1st Class Matthew Smith, a division 267 RDC. "You could see the extra motivation in the recruits."

Throughout the week, Blue Angels team members interacted, worked out, and mentored the soon-to-be Sailors of Division 267.

One special event both recruits and Blue Angels team members said they cherished was "Recruit Heaven." The event includes things normally off-limits to recruits, including movies, video games, and food not served in the galley.

"To get the chance to spend quality time with the recruits outside of their normal routine was very rewarding," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Ann Godwin. "It will forever be remembered as one of the most rewarding experiences of my Navy career."

The following morning the Blue Angels accompanied Division 267 at the track for their "Pride Run." They ran approximately two miles in formation while singing cadence.

"To go back to Great Lakes after 12 years is very humbling," said Aviation Support Equipmentman 1st Class Ryan Hooks, Blue Angels #2 rew chief. "To have the opportunity to see and motivate the next generation of Sailors who are going to be our replacements inspires me and reminds me that you never forget from where you came."

The evening before Division 267's graduation, the Blue Angels shared a meal and presented the RDCs and recruits with Blue Angels challenge coins.

"I still remember, to this day, when I got my first Navy coin," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Megan Stricklin. "To be able to be on the opposite side and give a Sailor their first coin is beyond humbling."

Recruit Division 267 started the basic training process June 29 and graduated Aug. 14, along with eight other divisions.

For more information regarding the RTC Sponsorship Program, contact the RTC Public Affairs Office at 847-688-2405.

For more news from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil

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