The Marine Corps’ Battle Color Detachment from Marine Barracks Washington will be performing in the Anchorage, Alaska; Seattle, Wash.; and Portland, Ore., area from March 3 -11, 2023. The Battle Color Detachment features “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps.
Each year, this highly skilled unit of approximately 130 Marines travels worldwide to demonstrate the discipline, professionalism, and “Esprit de Corps” of the United States Marines. For the first time in the 75-year history of the Silent Drill Platoon, a female has taken command of the unit and will be featured for the entire parade season.
The Silent Drill Platoon’s visit to Seattle also marks the return of a Seattle, Wash., native, and first female Silent Drill Platoon Commander, Capt. Kelsey M. Hastings. Hastings, a graduate of from Chief Sealth International High School, attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned a Marine Corps Officer in May 2017. Upon graduation from the Marine Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Okla., Hastings reported to 1st Battalion, 12th Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii where she served as a platoon commander, fire direction officer, and battery executive officer.
The Northwestern Tour is part of Marine Barracks Washington’s preparation for the upcoming summer parade season at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., the oldest post in the Marine Corps. The full detachment consisting of “The Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard performs for hundreds of thousands around the country in addition to the Friday Evening Parades at the barracks and the Tuesday Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
“When I was a kid, I got the opportunity to see the Silent Drill Platoon perform in Seattle. My family never would have been able to come out here to the barracks to see it. So, giving that to the public — taking our performance to them allows them to see what we do. I stand there and watch in awe of what they do, and I'm sure that the public does that as well,” said Hastings.
Key Dates and Locations
• Silent Drill Platoon will be in Anchorage on March 3 - 4.
• Battle Color Detachment will be in Portland on March 5 - 7.
• Battle Color Detachment will be in Seattle on March 8 - 11.
Specific dates and locations will be made available once final details are in place. Members of the BCD will be available for interviews and additional performances upon request.
For more information about the Battle Color Detachment performances or to schedule an interview, please call or email MSgt Rebekka Heite with Marine Corps Recruiting Command at (571) 559-4642 or MCRCPA@marines.usmc.mil.