Cocoa Native Seaman Zechariah Albright Becomes Member of Elite U.S. Navy Honor Guard

Albright, a 2021 Cocoa High School graduate, joined the Navy four months ago

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach

(U.S. NAVY) – A native of Cocoa, Florida, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Seaman Zechariah Albright, a 2021 Cocoa High School graduate, joined the Navy four months ago. Today, Albright serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to get help paying for a doctorate degree in neurology,” said Albright.

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.

“Some of the things I have learned since joining the Navy are the importance of management and discipline,” said Albright.

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.

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.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“The accomplishments I’m most proud of are graduating high school, boot camp, and completing Ceremonial Guard training,” said Albright.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Albright, 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.

“Serving in the Navy means protecting my home and my family and all that I care about,” added Albright.

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