Navy Seaman Apprentice Rhett S. Shepherd, son of Phillip N. and Kimberly A. Shepherd of North Manchester, Ind., was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Shepherd received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations”. This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.