Military digest 6/24/04

Navy recruit completes basic training in Illinois

Navy Seaman Recruit Brandon K. Suchman, son of Janice and Randal Holland of Cape Girardeau, Mo., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Suchman completed a variety of training including classroom study; practical instruction on naval customs; first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival skills; and shipboard and aircraft safety. Suchman is a 2003 graduate of Central High School of Cape Girardeau, Mo.-- From wire reports

Duty making trip around South America with Navy

Navy Seaman Jeremy C. Duty, son of Peggy Duty of Anna, Ill., and David Duty of Murphysboro, Ill., recently departed from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., onboard USS Ronald Reagan as the ship transits to its official homeport at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. Duty is one of more than 3, 000 sailors aboard the Navy's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier making a two-month journey around the tip of South America.-- From staff reports