Gettysburg Takes Field At Jaguars/Titans Game

The Gettysburg Sailors weren't preparing with ankle tape and eye black to suit up against either team, but rather they had received the honor to represent the ship and the Navy by parading the colors before the national anthem.

With their well-pressed uniforms looking sharp and the flags held high, the five Sailors paraded the colors onto the field to the cheers of the NFL crowd. As the national anthem was concluding and the Honor Guard was preparing to depart the field an Air Force stealth B-2 swooped low over the field to kick off the game.

The members of the team were honored to be the Navy representatives and had prepared with many practice sessions to be ready for this opportunity.

"This is a first for our team. Only those Sailors who are truly committed are chosen and we train as often as we can, so we're always ready for whatever situation comes up," said Cryptologic Technician Maintenance 2nd Class (SW) Derek Raulston, Gettysburg's Honor Guard LPO and the details' commander.

The team performed flawlessly during the event and one of the members of the honor guard said she was very appreciative of the opportunity to be the honor guard.

"To get a chance to be out there in front of 70,000 people in the stands, and friends and family at home is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we were thrilled to represent Gettysburg and the Navy," said Cryptologic Technician Technical 3rd Class Seneca Hampton.

The Gettysburg Honor Guard was requested by the Jacksonville Jaguars organization through the Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Office due to their high regard within the region.

Throughout the last year the teams has been very busy and performed very well at a number of events including usual duties as ceremonial guard, color guard for retirements as well as performing at some unique venues.

In February, they were asked to lead the annual Mardi Gras Parade in at the countries oldest Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, Alabama.

In addition to representing the team on Sunday, the team has also been chosen to represent the Navy in a Joint Color Guard event for the last home game of the season on De. 18.