Coast Guard Fireman Matthew J. Johnson, son of Lori A. and John T. Johnson of Daphne, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.

During the eight-week training program, Johnson completed a rigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship.

A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Johnson and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard's core values — honor, respect and devotion to duty — and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.

Johnson will join 36,000 men and women who comprise Coast Guard’s force.

Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world.

To reinforce the team concept, Johnson and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training and the basics of the work-life balance, as well as total quality management.

Johnson is a 2007 graduate of Daphne High School.