Seattle native makes history as first female commander of highly skilled Marine Corps unit

SEATTLE, March 10, 2023 – An Emerald Metropolis native is making historical past main a specialised unit of the Marine Corps.

Captain Kelsey Hastings remembers watching the Silent Drill Platoon rising up in Seattle.

“I simply thought it was magic. Actually, I assumed it was magic,” Capt. Hastings stated. “I nonetheless do not get uninterested in watching them. I’ve seen each efficiency, good and dangerous, from them the previous couple of months. The magic and the status by no means goes away.”

The squad of 24 marines performs precision drills in entrance of audiences throughout the nation, flinging and dealing with rifles with mounted bayonets, with none verbal instructions.

“Lots of blood, sweat, and tears goes into it. There are fairly just a few bruises, which they’re all very happy with, , exhibits them their capacity to push by means of the whole lot to deliver a product that is phenomenal,” stated Capt. Hastings.

All through its first 75 years, the platoon had been led solely by males. However that each one modified on the finish of 2022, when Capt. Hastings received phrase she’d be its subsequent commander.

“I used to be ecstatic, I used to be tremendous excited.” The captain continued, “I immediately known as my household and associates I used to be like, ‘oh my gosh, guess what, that is so thrilling,’ and it was like a dream come true.”

The platoon has been touring the Pacific Northwest this week, making for a particular homecoming for Capt. Hastings.

“I like having the ability to give again to the world that raised me, deliver the present to them that impressed me once I was a little bit child,” Capt. Hastings stated. “It offers me the chance to point out little ladies on the market that they’ll do something.”