Titusville Native Daniel Jones Has Unique Assignment as Member of Elite Navy Honor Guard

Seaman Daniel Jones serves in the elite group as a company squad leader

U.S. Navy Seaman Daniel Jones is a 2013 Titusville High School graduate

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – As the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember those who have died in service, Titusville native Seaman Daniel Jones, has special responsibilities providing funeral honors for fallen comrades in the Nation’s capital with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Seaman Jones serves in the elite group as a company squad leader.

“As the Alpha company squad leader, I’m responsible for training all new people to the guard,” Jones said. “I train sailors to become guardsmen.”

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

According to Navy officials, the Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the Navy in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies under the scrutiny of the highest-ranking officials of the United States and foreign nations, including royalty.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand-selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close-order drill, coordination and timing.

Jones is a 2013 Titusville High School graduate. According to Jones, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Titusville.

“I learned to become humble and to never forget where you came from,” Jones said.

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

Casket bearers carry the Navy’s past service members to their resting ground. Whether it is in Arlington National Cemetery or another veteran’s cemetery.

The firing party renders the 21 Gun Salute, the signature honor of military funerals, during every Navy Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.

“I have the honor of serving with some of the finest sailors in the U.S. Navy,” said commanding officer of U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Cmdr. Dave Tickle.

“Seeing the pride and professionalism in each of the Guardsmen makes me feel extremely proud and lucky to be the commanding officer of such an elite group.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jones, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs, and humanitarian assistance.

Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Being a part of the Ceremonial Guard has shown me military tradition and what it means to carry on,” Jones said. “It has helped me become a better person and leader, and it has also shown me the path I should be on for a greater career.”

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