22 recruits take U.S. Navy's Oath of Enlistment

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- 22 recruits from the Navy's Great Lakes region, including ten from here in Wisconsin, raised their right hands Thursday morning to take the Navy's Oath of Enlistment at the War Memorial in Milwaukee.

"The Oath of Enlistment is a commitment to the U.S. Constitution," said Rear Admiral Douglas Perry during remarks. "It is not to a religion, not to a party, not to a king or a queen. It is to the idea and the ideals represented in the document that is our U.S. Constitution."

The newest sailors took their oath under the watchful eye of current and former service men and women as their proud families and friends watched on.

"For them to be able to do this here at this, kind of sacred place, the eternal flame is still burning here," Rear Admiral Perry said. "So many have served here for the nation out of Milwaukee, out of the state. Being here today is pretty awesome."

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the crowd during the program, officially proclaiming July 17-23 Navy Week in the city of Milwaukee. The mayor also addressed the selflessness of the recruits taking the oath.

"To see these young Milwaukeeans, and really, folks from across the state of Wisconsin take up and take the oath of office, to serve our Navy and to serve our country, is a remarkable feeling," Mayor Johnson said. "There's always good people out there serving. There's always people in this community who are willing to step up and help, and that's exactly what these young people are doing."

Rear Admiral Perry says it will be about two years and those taking the oath Thursday will be serving as an integral part of the United States Navy.

"We look to communities like Milwaukee to show how a young man or woman can have a fantastic career in the Navy," Rear Admiral Perry said. "About two years and they're on-board standing watch, maintaining equipment, working on aircraft. We are wholly invested in our sailors."

Navy Week continues now through July 23.