Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Robert E. Jerdon, a 1995 graduate of Chop Point School, Woolwich, Maine, recently received a flag letter of appreciation while serving as leading petty officer, combined bachelor quarters and cash collection, at the Naval Station at Newport, R.I. Jerdon consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying outstanding leadership and managerial skills, he supervised daily room inspections, monitored the cleanliness of all common areas, and maintained the $950,000 inventory of furniture, fixtures and equipment for 104 rooms.

Navy Seaman Erik C. Murphy, son of Patricia C. and stepson of Dan G. Whitney of Bowdoinham, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Murphy completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety.

Army Pvt. Sean R. Clarke has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics. Clarke is the son of Richard Clarke of Yarmouth and nephew of Michael Clarke of Yarmouth. He is a 2011 graduate of Yarmouth High School.