Responses: 3
Cpl Dennis F. , I learned something today! That's a good thing. I never realized this detail existed and would have to say that I am sorry to see such a long tradition ending. I am afraid that the military is forgetting many of their long standing traditions (formal and informal) and I believe that is a damn shame. Thank you for sharing this information with us.
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After 155 Years, Marine Sentries Removed Sat Jan 14, 12:37 PM ET
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A Naval Academy tradition that lasted 155 years has
come to an end: The Marine Corps sentries who guarded the gates and the
crypt of Revolutionary War Capt. John Paul Jones have been withdrawn
and sent to war.
The four dozen Marines were released from their security duties in a
ceremony on Friday and are being replaced by Navy enlisted personnel.
"Pray for them, for many of them are going into harm's way," a chaplain
said in an invocation for the departing members of the Naval Academy
Company, Marine Barracks.
The Marines have provided security at the gates and for dignitaries'
visits and special events on the academy campus since before the Civil
War. They also performed largely ceremonial duties, including standing
guard outside the crypt of Jones, one of the founders of the Navy.
"They've done much more, in their ability to look tough but remain
pleasant," said Vice Adm. Rodney Rempt, the academy superintendent.
Dozens of military installations across the nation have turned to
civilian security officers in recent years, and the Navy is leaving
that option open for the academy. The U.S. Military Academy at West
Point brought on a private security firm in 2004.
The sentries will bolster U.S. forces stretched thin by deployments to
Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Obviously, we can use those Marines in more significant roles," said
Gary Solis, a West Point professor and former official historian for
the Marine Corps who frequently lectures at the Naval Academy. "But
it's too bad a tradition like that has to end."
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A Naval Academy tradition that lasted 155 years has
come to an end: The Marine Corps sentries who guarded the gates and the
crypt of Revolutionary War Capt. John Paul Jones have been withdrawn
and sent to war.
The four dozen Marines were released from their security duties in a
ceremony on Friday and are being replaced by Navy enlisted personnel.
"Pray for them, for many of them are going into harm's way," a chaplain
said in an invocation for the departing members of the Naval Academy
Company, Marine Barracks.
The Marines have provided security at the gates and for dignitaries'
visits and special events on the academy campus since before the Civil
War. They also performed largely ceremonial duties, including standing
guard outside the crypt of Jones, one of the founders of the Navy.
"They've done much more, in their ability to look tough but remain
pleasant," said Vice Adm. Rodney Rempt, the academy superintendent.
Dozens of military installations across the nation have turned to
civilian security officers in recent years, and the Navy is leaving
that option open for the academy. The U.S. Military Academy at West
Point brought on a private security firm in 2004.
The sentries will bolster U.S. forces stretched thin by deployments to
Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Obviously, we can use those Marines in more significant roles," said
Gary Solis, a West Point professor and former official historian for
the Marine Corps who frequently lectures at the Naval Academy. "But
it's too bad a tradition like that has to end."
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SPC David S.
A couple of years back there where a number of accusations of misconduct in the Marine Barracks. It could be a way to clean house there as the Old Guard is still manning its post at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However I can think of one place that has an issue with its fence that could use the help.
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LT Kevin Barnett
as a grad, I echo most people's thoughts on this subject. Sad to see changes, especially for No legitimate reason. We all have front row seats to the end of an empire.
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