Navy Seaman Apprentice Marlon D. Whitesides, son of Alice E. and Steve L. Whitesides of Grover, N.C., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eightweek program, Whitesides 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. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations."

Whitesides is a 2008 graduate of Kings Mountain High School in Kings Mountain, N.C.