UPDATED: "We Are On A Voyage Together"

A journey that started in July of 2007 with a grueling “swab summer” training session came to a close Wednesday for 229 cadets at the .

Decked out in white dress uniforms, the cadets received their commissions and degrees after four years in the school. Now promoted to ensigns, the cadets will serve at least five years aboard Coast Guard vessels or other areas of the service.

President Barack Obama was the main speaker for the ceremony. In his speech, Obama praised the Coast Guard for its role in numerous activities, such as port security and search and rescue operations. He said the mission of the service is now more extensive than ever, with operations in the Persian Gulf and off the Horn of Africa. The full story can be found .

Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, who has been superintendent throughout the cadets’ four years and will become president at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia this July, told Obama that he personally attested to the readiness and ability to serve of the class. He thanked the support of the cadets’ families, as well as the academy staff.

“You are now ready to take on the responsibility of being officers in the United States Coast Guard,” he said.

The theme of support from family, friends, and faculty was repeated throughout the ceremony. First Cadet Nathanael Crum, a native of Bellevue, Wash. was named the academy’s distinguished graduate of the year. The honor recognizes the cadet who graduates with the highest Military Precedence List Average. Crum, who earned a degree in civil engineering and was a member of the school’s cross country and track teams, will attend flight school to learn how to fly Coast Guard aircraft.

Crum likened his experience at the academy to a topic he is interested in: Himalayan mountaineering. He said these climbers follow the mantra of “kick, step, breathe.” With help from fellow students, parents, and faculty, he said the cadets had overcome difficulties to earn their acceptance into the Coast Guard. One wrong step on a mountain can plunge a climber into a crevasse, he said, but the risk is reduced when attached to a partner; he said relying on fellow members of the service is just as essential in the Coast Guard.

“Like the Everest climber who now stands on top of the world, as we breathe we take a moment to reflect that it takes a team to succeed; it requires a team to climb mountains,” he said.

Admiral Robert J. Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, said these companions are navigational markers on life’s journey. He described the commencement as a turning point in the cadets’ lives, and their joining the service a matter of honor.

“We’re on a voyage together. Our goal is to graduate you from this great institution and commission you as members of the United States Coast Guard.”

Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, spoke just before Obama. The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, and Napolitano foreshadowed the President’s message by saying the Coast Guard is “absolutely critical” in the missions it carries out today.

“We are proud of what you have already accomplished,” she said. “You have worked hard to become the leaders who will make our nation’s coastline safe and secure for all. You will assure the maritime tradition that has endured for generations and will continue on for many more.”

The promoted cadets represent 85 percent of the people who entered the 2007 swab summer. Among the accomplishments of the cadets was their contribution to an improved flare launcher to supplant the old process of throwing lit flares from search and rescue planes. The launcher is now installed on all Coast Guard HC-144 “Ocean Sentry” planes and is estimated to save $2 million each year.

Inclement weather to the newly renovated Leamy Hall. The entrance of the cadets was briefly reversed when it was discovered that not every member of the professional delegation had arrived. Soon after this “dress rehearsal,” the procession came in again, faculty and staff breaking off to watch from a separate location to leave room for family members. Other guests included Gov. Dannel Malloy, Rep. Joe Courtney, and President Jurelang Zedkaia of the Marshall Islands, who dictated an oath to one of two foreign cadets in the Class of 2011.

Each of the cadets took an oath swearing to uphold the Constitution and faithfully discharge the duties of office. Cadets also chose two people to put their shoulderboards on and presented a silver dollar from a meaningful year to the person who first saluted them as an ensign.

David and Lea Foss, parents of Anthony Foss, said their son has always had an interest in boats and chose the Coast Guard over the Navy due to its smaller academy. Anthony, who specialized in electrical engineering, will begin serving as a deck watch officer in Cape May, N.J.

“We’re proud of him, happy, kind of glad it’s over,” said David.

“He’s still a little boy for me. As a mother I guess he’s only a little boy,” said Lea.

Obama, along with Papp and Napolitano, greeted each cadet after they were presented with their degrees and commissions. Greg Bukata, who moves on to naval flight school in Pensacola, Fla., said he was excited to briefly meet the President. He said he told the Commander in Chief, “I won’t let you down” and Obama responded, “I’m sure you won’t.” Bukata said he was most grateful for the opportunities the academy provided, including visits to NASA and the Air Force Academy.

“I want to be the third Coast Guard astronaut,” he said when asked about his plans for the future. “But hopefully I’d fly helicopters or fixed wing; whatever the service needs.”

Ashley Pullard, who earned a degree in management and will be stationed on the Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley in Kodiak, Alaska, said she is looking forward to the new location and the service aboard the ship. She said it was hard work at the academy, but worth it in the end. She was also excited to meet Obama.

“That was really awesome,” she said. “It was probably one of the most exciting moments, just walking across the stage.”