Seaman Recruit Wesley Morris, Division 810, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command and earned the Military Excellence Award, March 24.

Morris, of Ormond Beach, Florida, joined the Navy to pursue a career as a special warfare operator. Prior to enlisting Jan. 25, 2017, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in human nutrition.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit who 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. Morris was awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"It was humbling to hear that I earned such a meritorious award amongst such driven and devoted people," said Morris. "All of my family and mentors deserve absolute thanks for the changes they've made in my life to get me to this point. Truly, my success here at boot camp stems from Chief Velez, Petty Officer Gibbs and Petty Officer McCurley -- my recruit division commanders -- for teaching me discipline and how to lead by example."

After graduation, Morris will attend a two-month Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School at Naval Special Warfare Center Det. Great Lakes, Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) Prep. Upon completion of BUDS Prep he will report to Coronado, California, where he will start BUDS training.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all Navy enlistees 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. About 30,000-40,000 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/.