Seaman Recruit Mackenzie Costa, Division 341, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on Aug. 31.

Costa, from Hanford, California, said she joined the Navy to make her father, Chad, proud.

“He has always pushed me to follow my dreams and accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Costa said. “He has made a huge impact on the person I am today and made following my dreams and accomplishing the mission a much easier task than it would have been without him.”

Costa, 19, is a 2017 graduate of El Diamante High School in Visalia, California, where she was captain of the cheer team during her senior year. She was a member of the Visalia Police Department Explorers, a career-oriented program that gives young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies and attended Vanguard University in Costa Mesa California.

Costa is assigned the rate of Aviation Boatswain Mate (Fuels).

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 her at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors. Costa is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Costa expressed pride for being selected as the MEA winner.

“Winning this award means I made the most out of my boot camp experience and did what I could to excel and overcome all obstacles thrown in my path,” she said.

Costa credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Machinist’s Mate Julian Miles, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Kyle Debrine and Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Ronelyn Benton for their guidance and leadership.

“My RDCs motivated me to always strive to do my best,” Costa said. “Petty Officer Benton motivated me the most because she was always portraying what it means to be a female in the Navy. She gave my shipmates and I a perfect example of how we are supposed to act in uniform and also in our everyday activities. She has taught me never to settle for anything less and that I am fully capable of completing any and every task on my own. I am thankful for my RDCs and my shipmates for always holding me accountable and making sure I was doing my best at all times.”

Becoming focused and learning to adapt were the most challenging parts of boot camp for Costa.   

“I feel the mental aspect of boot camp was tough for me,” she said. “Being able to set aside my day-to-day routine and follow the orders of my RDCs was difficult, but I quickly learned how to manage all of the changes thrown in my path.”

After graduation, Costa will attend her “A” School in Pensacola, Florida. Aviation Boatswain Mate (Fuels) operate and service motorized fueling equipment, maintain fuel quality surveillance and control in aviation fuel systems ashore and afloat. They train, direct and supervise firefighting crews, fire rescue teams, and damage control parties in assigned fuel and lubricating oil spaces, and observe and enforce fuel handling safety precautions.

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. More than 30,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

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

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