Seaman Recruit Justin DeHart, Division 389, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on October 5.

DeHart, from Anchorage, Alaska, said he was motivated to join the Navy by a sense of commitment and responsibility.

“I believe it is my duty, and the duty of every citizen, to serve our country,” DeHart said. “I joined the Navy to fulfill that duty and because I wanted to do something honorable with my life.”

DeHart, 22, is a 2014 graduate of Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska, where he played varsity hockey and was captain of the soccer team. Prior to joining the Navy, he attended the University of Alaska Anchorage in Anchorage, Alaska in pursuit of a degree in international studies.

DeHart is assigned the rate of Interior Communications Electrician.

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

DeHart said he was humbled to be selected as the MEA.

“There are many other recruits in my division and training group that deserve this award just as much as I do and to be selected from such a brilliant group of young new Sailors is truly an honor,” he said.

DeHart credited his Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Nicolas Cuervo, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Daniel Schneider, and Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class Jeff Lauver for their leadership and guidance.

“My main sources of motivation here at boot camp were my RDCs,” DeHart said. “My RDCs are perfect examples of how Sailors should conduct themselves. The obvious pride that they take in their work motivated me to do the same, and the long hours they spent training me gave me the tools to succeed here at RTC and in the fleet. I also credit my parents, who gave me the best upbringing anybody could ask for, and my siblings, who motivate me every day to keep working hard.”

DeHart said being separated from his family during boot camp was difficult.

“I overcame that challenge by accepting the fact that there are difficulties that are a part of life in the military and that distance from family is one of the foremost among them,” DeHart said.

After graduation, DeHart will attend “A” School at the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Great Lakes. Interior Communications Electricians direct and coordinate the installation, maintenance and repair of interior communications systems on ships and at shore facilities. These systems include communication systems, indicating and navigation systems, visual landing aids for aircraft, alarm, safety, and warning systems.

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.

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