A native of Midway recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

U.S. Navy Seaman Julian M. Sutphin, a 2020 graduate of Liberty County High School, enlisted into the Navy in January 2025. Today, SN Sutphin serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.

“I enjoy being a member of the Ceremonial Honor Guard. I am honored to be a member of this elite team that is, honoring fallen shipmates, participating in ceremonies and representing the U.S. Navy,” Sutphin said.

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allows the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.