How to Request a Navy Honor Guard
A Navy honor guard, officially known as the Navy Ceremonial Guard, is a group of highly trained and rigorously outfitted sailors who represent the Navy at ceremonies of all sorts. From patriotic parades to the funerals of former servicemen, the Navy's honor guard adds solemnity and respect to any event. Follow these steps to request a Navy honor guard.
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Instructions
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Contact the Navy command. The simplest path to requesting a Navy honor guard is to contact the Commander Navy Installations Command in Washington, DC. The CNIS will give you the right information and contact details related to your request, thereby simplifying a potentially complicated process.
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Find and contact your Navy District. In order to decentralize Navy command, the Navy implemented Navy districts, otherwise known as Navy regions. Determine in which Navy district you fall so you can contact the command of that district. From there, the district command will direct you to the honor guard local to your area.
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Set the specifics of the event. Before you make your formal request for a ceremonial or honor guard for the Navy you should determine your specific dates and times. Also, you need to supply a good reason for the guard's participation. Generally, funerals of former Navy sailors (who retired, died in service or were discharged any way but dishonorably) take priority.
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Make the formal request. Once you have got all your information together and found the command or base closest to you, find the Petty Officer in Charge of the Ceremonial Guard and make a formal request. You can begin by calling the command and request the forms by fax. Fill out the forms correctly and fax or mail them in as soon as you can.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no charge for Naval honors at the funeral of an eligible serviceperson or veteran. Have your funeral director make the request at least 48 hours in advance.
The funeral home will receive the flag for the casket from the Veterans Administration. You may also request a ceremonial flag through your local Postmaster.
Depending on troop deployments, a full Navy ceremonial guard-which includes a squad for the rifle salute and a bugler to play "Taps"-may not be available. A minimum of two uniformed personnel will be supplied to fold and present the flag.
