Seaman Recruit Jessie L. Hayworth, Division 375, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on September 28.

Hayworth, 22, said she joined the Navy to answer a calling.

“I believe we are all put on this earth to accomplish a purpose,” she said. “I believe God gifts individuals particular strengths and desires to fulfill that purpose. I felt a calling to serve this country because there are countless others who have given everything to protect it and I felt that I should be as well. To be a part of the Navy and its legacy is a privilege and an honor because of the people who came before.”

Hayworth, from High Point, North Carolina earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2018. She also worked as a student postal worker on campus.

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. Foster is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

“This award is a direct representation of people who have put their time and effort into making me better. This includes my Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs). I can honestly say that my division was one of the luckiest ones on the base,” said Hayworth. “The recruits I worked alongside also deserve recognition. Without their cooperation, teamwork and dedication, our division would not have reached the level of success it achieved.”

Hayworth credited her RDCs, Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Jeremy Klappauf, Gas Turbine System Technician 1st Class Mindy Walker, and Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter 2nd Class Larsen Seymore for their leadership and guidance.

“Each RDC has a specific skill set that makes our division better: Chief Klappauf displays leadership skills that inspire us all to not only a better sailor, but a better person; Petty Officer Walker is always making sure everything is done perfectly and is always more than willing to help answer questions; and Petty Officer Seymore inspires the division to be more physically and mentally tough, always pushing ourselves beyond our limits,” said Hayworth.

She said coming together as a team was the toughest boot camp challenge.

“Learning different personalities simultaneously while everyone is undergoing an extensive life transition under increased amounts of mental stress is difficult. Everyone is completely different and unique and has a particular perspective depending on their background,” said Hayworth. “Learning how to come together was difficult and required cooperation and compromise. However, being a part of the transition of recruits going through boot camp together into shipmates going into the fleet together is a special experience that is a rewarding experience.” 

After graduation, Hayworth will attend Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTR) training at Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.

CTRs serve as experts in intercepting signals. Their responsibilities include; analyzing and reporting on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals and electronic/magnetic tape recorders; exploiting signals of interest to identify, locate and report worldwide threats; and providing tactical and strategic signals intelligence, technical guidance, and information warfare support to surface, subsurface, air and special warfare units.

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 30,0000 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/.